The project includes a 34m x 20m MUGA with a 3G surface, flood lighting and ball stop fencing. Additionally, the children's play area has been improved with new, inclusive play equipment.
This £415,000 investment has been funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said: "I am pleased that the Council has been able to deliver these excellent facilities for the local community - especially in time for the summer holidays when they will be of most benefit to local families. The new MUGA with flood lights will ensure that the facilities are available all year round, which will prove invaluable to our local sports people."
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Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA, added: "I welcome the opening of this new facility and I have no doubt it will deliver significant benefits for the people of Portglenone, and to the continued efforts to maximise the potential of the town’s marina area. The completion of this scheme, as part of the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Programme, demonstrates further evidence of how collaboration between my Department and colleagues in both DAERA and Council can deliver benefits for all."
Minister for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, said: "My Department - through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme - continues to work in partnership across central and local government to deliver partnership projects which are helping to regenerate rural villages and town centres. The multi-use games area and upgraded play park at Portglenone Marina is a welcome addition to the area, providing increased opportunities for outdoor recreation, which will in turn benefit health and well-being and address issues of loneliness and isolation in the village and surrounding areas."
The Council has been working with the Portglenone Enterprise Group to ensure the project enhances the local area and supports the range of activities held there each year.
A spokesperson from Portglenone Enterprise Group commented: "PEG is delighted to open the new community MUGA pitch in Portglenone. It is a fantastic new facility that will have a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of our local community. We are delighted to welcome this new state of the art facility to our village and the upgrade of the children’s play park."
