The Tooth Fairy could be in for a lean time in Strangford. A state-of-the-art dental clinic called Edelweiss Dental has been officially opened in the rural coastal village on the shores of Strangford Lough.
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DARD Permanent Secretary David Small with Klaus Viesteg and his wife Alice, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, and DRAP Chairman Alan Graham at the official opening of the Edelweiss Dental surgery in Strangford.[/caption]
Speaking at the opening event, the owner Klaus Viesteg addressed his guests and said: “I would like to thank the Down Rural Area Partnership for their support and and help in setting up Edelweiss Dental. It took some time to get it all sorted out but I am absolutely delighted with the end result and I am looking forward to my bookings filling up with happy and smiling patients.”
DARD Permanent Secretary David Small said: “I am happy to be at this official event of the opening of Edelweiss Dental. There has been a lack of medical services in the area and this new venture will go some way to addressing this.
“It has been the result of a commitment by many people and has been a significant investment of which the Rural Development Division gave 50% with Klaus also making a sizeable contribution. There are clear tangible benefits to the Strangford area.
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Klaus Viesteg in his new dental surgery, Edelweiss Dental, in Strangford.[/caption]
He added: “The Axis III programme has delivered over £100million to projects and is now fully committed. Many rural villages have been revitalised. The DARD Minister has committed a further £11milion to the new Newry Mourne and Down District Council area and this will again make a difference to breaking down rural isolation.”
DRAP Chairman Sam Graham said: “This is the first time that I have ever looked forward going to the dentist. It is indeed a privilege to be here. We welcome your investment to this project and understand that you have had to go through some complex processes. I would like to thank the DRAP staff for their support to the development and offer my congratulations to Klaus.”
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who attended the official launch in Strangford, said that she welcomed the investment, construction opening of the new dental practice in Strangford. She said: “I am delighted to attend today’s official of Edelweiss dentistry.
“This new Dental Practice situated in The Square in the building, formerly accommodating Elliotts coal depot, commands a good location and provides an interesting addition to the medical service sector in the village.
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From left, Laura Stewart, hygienist, owner Klaus Viesteg with his wife Alice, Maria Dennison, nurse, and Julie-Ann Quayle, receptionist.[/caption]
“Edelweiss Dental, owned by German native Klaus Viesteg, was provided for through a cocktail of funding from the owner and Rural Development funds managed through the Down Rural Area Partnership.
“Furthermore this new business makes an important contribution to the regeneration of the village and marks a further step in the implementation of the Village Plan for Strangford.
“In conjunction with the retention of the clinic in the village of Strangford, it will ensure that medical, health and dental services will be provided.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved with this project: Mr Viesteg, Mr Gary Laverty who owns the building, and Down Rural Area Partnership for this important investment in Strangford village”.
To contact Edelweiss Dental: phone 028 44 881995.
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