Education Minister John O’Dowd has opened the recently redeveloped £450,000 scout centre for Ballyhornan

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

3 October 2015

Education Minister John O’Dowd has opened the recently redeveloped £450,000 scout centre for Ballyhornan

Education Minister John O’Dowd has re-opened the redeveloped £450,000 facility for Ballyhornan Scout Centre, near Strangford.

The £450,000 investment, provided by the Department of Education, has allowed a new purpose built hall to be built and linked to the existing four huts, new modern kitchen facilities to be installed and storage and toilet facilities to be upgraded. In addition the landscaping improvements have meant there is now additional camping and play areas for youth members.

Speaking as he cut the ribbon to officially open the new building, Minister John O’Dowd said: “This £450,000 investment in Ballyhornan Scout Centre is an investment for everyone in this local community and its future. Children and young people are key to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous future and there continues to be a growing interest in the role that youth work can play in helping them enhance and fulfil their education needs and skills.

“Youth facilities such as Ballyhornan Scout Centre provide young people with a safe and friendly environment to meet and develop their own individual skills, which in turn will allow them to enhance their own skills within their local communities.

“Finally, I would like thank all those who have been personally involved in youth work in this centre and for their continued dedication and commitment which has had a positive impact on so many young lives. I am confident this new facility will make a significant impact on youth work and I wish you well for the future.”

John Mulligan, Commissioner for Down and Connor Scout County said: “I am delighted that Minister O’Dowd was able to join Scouting Ireland’s Chief Scout and guests at the official opening today. I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for their support for scouting in general and in particular for their financial support which enabled the redevelopment of the Ballyhornan Scout Centre which is a fantastic facility for the County. The work that has been recently completed at Ballyhornan will allow our leaders to plan a range of activities at the centre regardless of the weather conditions.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Ballyhornan Scout Centre is a 64 bed facility managed by Down and Connor Scout County Scouting Ireland.

2. It has a new state of the art kitchen and dining hall, dormitories, leaders chill out room and a larger modern hall for indoor activities.

3. In addition to being used by scout groups for overnight stays the facility can also be used for training and conferences.

4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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