Huge welcome for Dunclug funding package

Ballymena SDLP councillor Declan O’Loan has given an enthusiastic welcome for the £4.75 million renewal package announced for the Dunclug Estate, Ballymena, today by the Minister, David Hanson.

He said, “My SDLP colleague P.J. McAvoy has campaigned for this kind of initiative. He is recovering well from his serious illness, and very much wants to be associated with my remarks.

The Minister has to be congratulated for tackling this problem seriously after his visit in August. Dunclug has been in long term social decline. This can now be reversed by statutory agencies and residents making this scheme work.

The scheme is well thought out. The key elements are there. Dunclug needs the housing and environmental improvements. It needs the community safety initiatives. It needs family support. It needs the opportunity to build in elements of its own design through the £500 000 Community Fund.

The most essential parts of this scheme are those to do with people. These are also the hardest bits to deliver. The aim must be a community in which all residents feel equally at home. Sectarian issues are a key problem which must be tackled successfully. There are those whose actions in the past have done huge damage to good relations. There has been serious criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

Along with P.J. McAvoy, I call on everyone to work together to make a success of this new opportunity.”