Cash boost for deprived neighbourhoods

The news was revealed by new Social Development Minister David Hanson at Rathgill Resource and Learning Centre in Bangor on Wednesday.

Over the past two years, �5.4m has been funded to disadvantaged areas.

The money is meant to help people develop confidence and new skills to improve their environment.

Projects have included training programmes, refurbishment of community houses, landscaping of waste land, removal of graffiti, recreational equipment and schemes for young people.

Mr Hanson said Rathgill Community Association was a fine example of how residents could help break down barriers preventing them from moving forward in society.

"This is exactly what the Fund was set up to achieve.

"Early results indicate that it is really making a difference to people living in communities where life is particularly difficult," he said.

Murals

Rathgill has now benefited from over �60,000 in fund grants during the past two years.

In addition to a learning and resource centre, a community garden has been developed which included the transformation of two paramilitary murals into new community murals by local young people.

A total of 48 areas throughout Northern Ireland will receive funding.

These are: Bowtown Estate (�52,340), Lower Shankill (�61,920), Brown Square (�6,990), Inner East (�456,240), Clonard (�89,810).

Beechmount/Cavendish (�89,000), Village (�152,310), Glencairn (�93,210), Highfield (�55,780), Finaghy (�71,115), Sunnylands (�79,495), Greenisland/Gortalee (�92,555)

Tullycarnet (�69,260), Ballysally (�73,935), The Heights (�50,640), Stewartstown (�42,530), Parkmore (�19,315), Foylehill/Creggan (�39,250).

Top of the Hill/Gobnascale (�47,900), Shantallow (�108,430), Glen Estate (38,360), Curryneirin and Tullyally (�60,380), Clooney (�43,420).

Irish Street (�27,620), Lettershandoney �21,900), Ballymagroarty/Hazelbank (�131,145), Model Farm Estate �25,960), Flying Horse Estate (�28,200), Shimna Ward (�64,430).

Ballysaggart (�106,110) ,Riverdale (�22,370), Glen Estate & Hospital Lane (�63,120), Ballycastle Town (�39,090), Carnagat (�5,950), Newtownhamilton Village (�15,450), Derrybeg (�27,080).