Dungiven gets new '˜kickabout' area for kids

Residents and officials at the opening of the new park in Ard na Smol, Dungiven, including Stacey McGrath and Brian O'Connor from Apex Housing, and Cathal O'hOisin and Sean McGlinchey from Sinn Fein.

Sinn Fein Colr. Sean McGlinchey was speaking after the opening of the new facility in the Ard na Smol estate.

The new ‘kickabout’ area was constructed by Kevin Watson Group and was part of a project involving Apex Housing.

“I think more than anything it’s just a lovely place for families to sit and watch their kids play.

“They know where they are and they can see for themselves what their children are doing and that they are safe,” Colr. McGlinchey said.

The Ard na Smol facility is the third to be opened in the town after Finvola Park and Rannyglass.

“I think the new spaces, and they are general kick about areas, have helped reduce anti social incidents in the town,” he added.

“Rather than having youngsters running around the streets, they have somewhere to meet up now.”

Similar facilities have been planned for other areas of Dungiven, including Mitchell Park and Coolnasillagh.

“Here in Rannyglass I would say there are about 100 kids, or thereabouts, and they don’t really have anywhere to play or have a kick about,” said Colr. McGlinchey.

“This is a great addition to the community. I think it also gives residents something to be proud of and take ownership of.”