Education Minister John O’Dowd has opened the recently redeveloped £450,000 scout centre for Ballyhornan
The Minister cut the ribbon at the facility for Ballyhornan Scout Centre near Strangford which is 64-bed facility managed by Down and Connor Scout County Scouting Ireland.
The £450,000 investment provided by the Department of Education, has allowed a new purpose-built hall to be erected and linked to the existing four huts with dormitories, new modern kitchen and dining hall facilities to be installed and storage and toilet facilities to be upgraded. There is also a leaders chill out room and a larger modern hall for indoor activities. In addition the landscaping improvements have meant there is now additional camping and play areas for youth members.
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Education Minister John O’Dowd with Newry Mourne and Down District Council chairperson Cllr Naomi Bailie, Downpatrick First Scouts and Commissioner for Down and Connor Scouts, John Mulligan, pictured at the official opening of the refurbished centre.[/caption]
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 to 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.”
Councillor Dermot Curran has also welcomed the development of the refurbished centre and said: “I am delighted that the Minister has made this investment into the Down and Connor Scouting Ireland initiative. It is good to see them being recognised after many years of being involved at Ballyhornan.
“Scouting Ireland is an excellent, well managed organisation, and they have been involved in various outing from this camp engaging in beach cleans etc. They are all very well behaved and very respectful to the local residents.
“I can remember in the past that people held retreats in the old premises and I’m glad that it is now opening up for other uses too such as conferences.”
John Mulligan, Commissioner for Down and Connor Scouts, 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.”
In addition to being used by scout groups for overnight stays the facility can also be used for training and conferences.
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