Work starts on two play parks in Top Of Hill and Irish Street

Social Development Minister Lord Morrow and the Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Thomas Kerrigan, pictured with Colum McNicholl, JPM, contractors, Allison Wallace, Strategy Manager. Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, Geraldine O'Donnell, Manager, Hillcrest House, and Councillor Christopher Jackson.

Play parks are to be constructed at Irish Street and Rose Court and those gathered for the launch said they will provide much needed play activities for the children of these areas.

Both projects have received equal funding of £285,000 from the Department for Social Development (DSD) under its Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.

Minister Morrow said: “The children of both Irish Street and Rose Court will benefit greatly from the investment in these new play parks. They will not only provide a much needed source of fun and enjoyment for families and young people in the areas but will reduce opportunities for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, both of which I know have been of major concern to the local residents.”

The Minister added: “The projects will create an environment where parents will consider it safe to allow their children to have access to play whilst improving their health and well being.”

Both play parks will be finished in time for the summer season and will be managed and maintained by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Elisha McCallion said she was delighted to see the work commence on the playpark projects.

Mayor McCallion said: “It’s fantastic that work is now beginning on what will be two vital community resources for the Waterside area. The new play parks at Irish Street and Rose Court will be welcome recreational spaces which will be utilised by the young families living in the area.

“I would like to thank DSD, Council, Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, Irish Street Community Association and Top of the Hill 2020 for their work in delivering these projects .”