A GAA club in Derry city whose clubhouse was burned down in an arson attack now has "one of the finest facilities anywhere in Ulster", Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill said at the official opening on Wednesday.
The new Sean Dolan's GAC premises were officially opened on Wednesday following a major community and housing partnership project involving Stormont, the local council and Radius Housing.
The former facilities were extensively damaged following arson in 2011, with a new clubhouse opened in 2016 and the latest development now adding a major, bespoke sports and community facility to the club grounds.
Read more: Derry GAA club reflects on 10 years since major fire
The opening was carried out by Mayor of Derry Patricia Logue and Ulster GAA president Ciaran McLaughlin, with Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill in attendance alongside Foyle MLAs, local councilllors, school and community representatives.
An underage football blitz and family fun day also marked the occasion.
The new facilities were delivered alongside 119 new homes.
Radius Housing, a developer responsible for more than 300 new social and affordable homes each year, delivered the £20 million project that includes an extension of the clubhouse pavilion, a new indoor arena with a 3G sports surface, a multi-purpose room for the club and local community, a training space, gym room, meeting rooms, space for dance classes and social events.
Of the £20 million, a total of £10.7 million came from the Department of Communities at Stormont, £9.9 million from Radius Housing for the houses, and £600,000 from Derry City and Strabane council.
Ulster GAA and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive also provided support.
Radius Housing say the name of the new housing development, meanwhile, came from a suggestion made by pupils from local shcools.
Michelle O’Neill said; “I want to commend all the members and volunteers of Sean Dolans GAC, Radius Housing and the GAA on the leadership they have shown to make this fantastic project a reality. As a result of this cooperative project, Sean Dolans now boasts one of the finest GAA facilities anywhere in Ulster and much-needed social housing has been provided for the Creggan community. That achievement is all the more remarkable given the adversity the club has faced and today, thanks to the efforts of all those involved, we have a facility and resource in place which is a wonderful legacy for future generations of Gaels and the wider community.”
Eamon McGinley, chair of Sean Dolans, said: "This marks the opening of a game changing development for our club. What we have been able to do in partnership with Radius has allowed us to deliver first class facilities that will benefit Seán Dolans and the wider community for years to come. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter for us as a club where we can focus on developing the standard of gaelic games in Creggan and take our club to a new level. It is an exciting time for us. We are looking forward to the future and look forward to continuing our partnership with Radius."
John McLean, Chief Executive of Radius Housing, said “At Radius we are always looking at how we can bring innovative approaches to how we develop new homes and build strong communities, particularly where there are challenges around suitable land. Working with Sean Dolans and the other organisations we have build a strong partnership approach, which has been able to deliver a huge amount, including high quality homes and a first class new sports and community facility. This is an important event, to mark what we have all achieved together, and let the local community enjoy the facilities. We look forward to seeing what this partnership approach can achieve on other projects here in Derry.”
Mayor Patricia Logue said: “I am delighted as Mayor to attend the official opening of this fantastic community facility at Sean Dolans. I want to acknowledge the work of Radius Housing, Council and all partners involved for investing in this area and delivering state of the art amenities right where they are needed most.
“This new centre will be a busy and vibrant hub for sport, community activity and social gatherings, and will play a vital role at the heart of the Creggan community. There is so much demand for quality housing and fit for purpose, modern spaces to bring communities together. Well done to all involved in overcoming the challenges to deliver this wonderful project for the people of Creggan.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Communities said: “The Department for Communities welcomes this development which has received £10.7m from the Department and sees 119 new social homes constructed in an area of extremely high housing need. This scheme is a significant step in addressing the local housing pressures.”
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