Innovation was top of the agenda for local businesses at an information session hosted by South Eastern Regional College (SERC), on Tuesday 21 April at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch.
Bright Ideas Start Here was one of six events being hosted by Colleges of Further Education across Northern Ireland during April to coincide with World Creative and Innovation Day.
Representatives of 20 local businesses came together for a networking breakfast followed by a showcase of successful innovation projects organised through SERC.
The event was supported by Connected, funded by the Department for Economy, and is part of a wider programme which enables the transfer of knowledge on key industry developments.
Local businesses at SERC’s Bright Ideas Start Here: (L-R) Patrick Murphy, Urbanite Agencies; John Nugent, Chair SERC Governing Body; Heather McKee, Deputy Principal SERC; John McKibbin, Invest NI; Jeb Berkeley, Business Skills Manager, SERC; Aaron Mannis, Athena Blue; and David Irvine, Irvine Engineering.
Pam Kelly, Business Development Manager at SERC said: “The Our Bright Ideas Start Here session aimed to bring together local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with little or no experience of innovation.
“We wanted to highlight the range of support, both to unlock funding and accelerate innovation, available to SMEs through SERC such as InnovateUs, Connected and one-to-one innovation advisory sessions alongside Innovation Vouchers from Invest NI, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships from Innovate UK.
“Participants heard from two local business owners, Matt Gillespie from Urban Excel and Amy Kelly from Amy Kelly Gardening, both of whom have accessed bespoke support from SERC to help with the development of their organisations.
“Matt spoke about how his passion for BMX bikes would lead him to building Ireland’s largest skatepark and, eventually running a global business.
The SERC event hosted in the Millbrook Hotel included speakers (L-R) Amy Kelly from Amy Kelly Gardening, and Matt Gillespie from Urban Excel, both of whom had accessed bespoke support from SERC to help with the development of their organisations, with Pam Kelly, Business Development Manager, SERC.
“And Amy shared how her passion for growing fruits and vegetables led to a profitable digital presence, a role as a radio presenter, and a vibrant brand that will see the launch of a book and gardening clothing range, all with sustainability at the core.”
Pam added: “Hearing about their experience could be the trigger that helps boost another SME to the next level, and SERC are here to offer support that will drive innovation, sustainability and the creation of job opportunities.”
For further information on support for local businesses at SERC contact Andrea Kennedy, Innovation Manager by email:
Trainer Gordon Elliot says Mullins is too hot at the moment
irish trainer Gordon Elliott says: “I think we have no chance of beating Willie Mullins to be Champion Trainer in Ireland this season.
“I’m probably both lucky and unlucky to be training in the same era as one of the greatest trainers of all time and Brighterdaysahead won’t take on Lossiemouth at Punchestown.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, leading Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has revealed he believes he has “no chance” of keeping Willie Mullins at bay in the race to be Irish Champion Trainer this season.
The Cullentra handler also revealed his plans for the Punchestown Festival, where Aintree Hurdle winner Brighterdaysahead won’t be taking on Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle.
He said: “We’ve had a great season but there is no chance we are beating Willie Mullins in the race to be Champion Trainer in Ireland.
Irish Trainer Gordon Elliot concedes that trainer Willie Mullins is on a roll this season.
“No, I think we’ve no chance. I’ve said this for the last few months. The ammunition Willie has makes it very difficult. He is very, very strong and really comes into his own this time of year.
“We’ve had a great season and we’re very happy with where we are.
“Willie Mullins sets the standard… I’m both lucky and unlucky to be training in the same era as one of the greatest of all time.
“We have a great bunch of horses and a great yard. We’ve had a wonderful season as we have for the last 10 or 12 seasons really. But unfortunately, there’s a man called Willie Mullins who is phenomenal at what he does.
“Willie sets the standard and I think I’ve been second to him in the championship for many years as I’ve said. Four or five years ago, I was taking it a lot harder than I am now.
“I’ve just got to realise that I’m probably both lucky and unlucky to be training in the same era as one of the greatest trainers of all time.
“Hopefully our turn will come. So, let’s keep doing what we do and hopefully someday we’ll get there. I’m going nowhere!
“Punchestown is a great meeting and we’ll have plenty of runners heading there
“Look, we’ve got plenty of horses to run, to be honest, I’m not even thinking about it. We’ve had 11 Grade winners this season. We’ve had a brilliant season as far as prize money goes.
“I”‘ve said it all along that I thought we weren’t far enough in front to win and didn’t have enough in hand. So, I’m not even thinking about it, to be honest. I won’t be approaching it any other way.
“I’d imagine we will have eight to 10 runners every day, so plenty of runners. It’s a great meeting which we really enjoy, and we love to support it.
“I do still dream of being Champion Trainer – hopefully it’ll happen one day but I am relaxed.
“I am relaxed. There is no point in being anything else. We’re in a great position.
“This will be our 14th year being second to Willie. So, I’m in a very, very lucky position.
“I’m trying to look at things a bit differently, looking at races further down the line with horses and taking a more long-term approach. You have to look at the bigger picture.
“Is it something I dream about being champion trainer? Yes, it is, and hopefully it’ll happen someday.
“We have had a couple of tough years at Cheltenham but we’re happy with where we are the moment.
“Very happy. We’ve had a couple of tough years, we’ve been trying to rebuild. Obviously when we lost those horses before, it takes a good while to get that core of runners back, but we’ve had a brilliant season again. Again, as I said, we’re restocking. We’re trying to get back where we want to be.
“There’s plenty of young stock here and you’re hoping that as they progress, they’ll be able to hold their own in the senior ranks.
“The dream is for them to continue on an upward trajectory and be able to hold their own at that top level.
“We’ve got a massive team behind us and a lot of hard work goes into it. We’re delighted the way things have gone again this season. A lot of hard work and a good team of staff, owners and everyone around me.”
Constitution Hill is a superstar of a horse – Nicky Henderson is doing a wonderful job with him
“To be honest, I worry about my own horses! I have no big opinion on Constitution Hill. I think he’s a superstar of a horse. Nicky Henderson is doing a wonderful job on him. I don’t want to get into that whole saga to be honest.”
A horse from the yard that has big potential next season
Charismatic Kid is one who looked very good in the Bumper at Fairyhouse and one we’re going to be looking forward to next year.
“I’m very lucky to have Jack Kennedy as part of my team.
“He’s very mentally strong and he’s a wonderful jockey and a wonderful sportsman. He’s a big part of my team and I’m very lucky to have him.”
Gordon Elliott previews his big-race runners at Punchestown
El Cairos
Jack Kennedy said he is one of the fastest horses he’s ever ridden. He’s a good horse, though. The Supreme [at Cheltenham] was a very funny race, none of the Irish horses seemed to be able to get into it for whatever reason.
He’s in good form. He’s coming here fresh, so we’re looking forward to running him.
Koktail Brut
A nine-length winner at Fairyhouse since Cheltenham, he is a horse that keeps going the right way and keeps winning. He’s going to be a gorgeous chasing horse next year so we’re looking forward to running both of them in the two mile race, the first day.
Kala Conti
She has beaten Kargese, who won the Arkle. She looked like she wasn’t going to be far away at Aintree. Whether she runs or not, we’re not just sure. She seems in good form at home, so we’ll see how she is this week and make our mind up.
Teahupoo and Honesty Policy
They are both in good form. So, both of them run.
Brighterdaysahead
She won’t run. She’s finished for the year.
Wodhooh
She’s in very good form and I’m really looking forward to running her. She’s a superstar.
Other runners to look out for in the yard
We’ve got a few nice horses in the Champion Bumper. We’ve got Low Kick and Soul Asylum. We’ll have loads of runners, to be honest. So, you hope they go well.
NSPCC starts search for 12 – 15-year-olds to join the charity’s Voice of Online Youth Group
· Participants will meet key decision makers, help influence policies, laws and regulations, help tackle online safety issues and learn new life skills
Do you know of, or are you a young person who is passionate about making the online world safe for children and young people?
The NSPCC is currently recruiting up to 20 young people aged 12 – 15 from across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to join their campaigning group – ‘The Voice of Online Youth’.
This is an incredible opportunity for young people from all backgrounds, who have an interest in the digital world to be at the heart of the charity’s online safety campaign and work to make the internet safer for children across the country.
Having young people’s voices and experiences heard and recognised is one of the main driving forces behind the NSPCC achieving its goal that every child is safe online, can enjoy age-appropriate online experiences and tech companies are held accountable for making their platforms safe for children.
Previous members of the NSPCC Voice of Online Youth. (Photos courtesy of NSPCC.)
Children’s opinions and experiences of the online world should be invaluable to decision makers as they know first-hand the risks young people are facing.
Members of the Voice of Online Youth will enable the charity to amplify children’s voices and experiences and help keep others safe online.
They will meet with key decision-makers, help influence policies, laws and regulation, share their experiences and opinions, and help tackle online safety issues.
No previous experience is required – just a passion for making the online world safer for children and young people.
Membership will run for 18 months, and successful applicants will need to attend online sessions and workshops every other month – with some in-person meetings.
NSPCC Seeks Teenagers For Voice Of Online which will enable the charity to amplify children’s voices and help keep others safe online.
The NSPCC will cover the cost of travel, accommodation and reasonable expenses for regional and national meetings.
It’s a great opportunity for a young person to learn a range of valuable skills, make a difference and have lots of fun. Participants will:
· Meet decision makers, attend events and take part in workshops to explore all aspects of online safety.
· Advise the charity, politicians, regulators as well as parents and professionals about the best way to protect children online.
· Get training in campaigning, public speaking and teamwork – all valuable skills for education and life.
· Have the chance to travel around the UK, meet other young people and take part in residential events.
The NSPCC Voice of Online Youth will enable the charity to amplify children’s voices and help keep others safe online.
Last year, members spoke at the world’s first Children’s AI Summit in London; attended the Global AI Summit in Paris and met with Peter Kyle, who was at that time Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology.
Earlier this year, three members of the group also met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London and spoke to him about their views on children’s access to social media as the debate around social media bans continues.
Child Safety Online Senior Project Officer, Adam Diment, who runs The Voice of Online Youth said: “Children and young people can teach adults so much about the online world.
“The more we listen to their experiences, champion their voices, and include them in the national conversation, the safer we can make the online world for young people and for everyone.
“Through my work with The Voice of Online Youth, I have watched young people grow in confidence and develop skills that will last them a lifetime.
“That’s why the NSPCC set up the Voice of Online Youth – and we want you to encourage more children and young people to be part of it.”
More information and details of how to apply can be found at:
First Power of Attorney Day launched by Carers NI to tackle low public awareness
Carers NI and Standard Life have joined forces to launch the first ever UK-wide Power of Attorney Day at a special event held in the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick with unpaid carers today (Wednesday 22 April 2026).
A power of attorney is a legal document that enables someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Despite its importance, very few people consider it a priority, even as they get older.
Most people assume those close to us will automatically be allowed to make decisions on our behalf if we can’t but often, this doesn’t automatically happen and can leave a carer or family member in difficulties.
Today’s Power of Attorney Day aims to raise awareness of this important legal tool and the role it can play in supporting individuals and families during difficult times.
Setting up a power of attorney can be especially important for Northern Ireland’s 220,000 unpaid carers who support someone who is older, seriously unwell or disabled, offering protection when someone loses capacity, to help ensure their personal preferences and choices are respected.
Carers NI has held its first Power of Attorney Day in Downpatrick at the St Patrick Centre.
In Northern Ireland, a Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney allows an individual to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf. Anyone aged 18 or over can set this up, but it must be done while they still have mental capacity to make their own decisions.
Barbara Morrow is a carer for her mum, 94 years old, who has dementia said:
“As a carer who has been through the process of using an Enduring Power of Attorney, I can’t stress how important it is to have the difficult conversations about finances early and an Enduring Power of Attorney in place.
“Taking financial planning seriously future proofs and secures the wishes of loved ones, their care and finances and makes the job of being an attorney easier”.
Joleen Cunningham, Public Affairs Manager of Carers NI said: “Carers in NI have told us they want more support with planning for the future.
“Many are unsure about what steps they should take and what provisions they can put in place to ensure peace of mind for their future and that of their cared for person.
“Our first ever Power of Attorney Day will help carers by starting the conversation, raising awareness of Enduring Power of Attorney in NI and how it provides protection for the future.”
As part of the presentation day. Carers NI are held a special roadshow “Planning for What Matters” which included a session delivered by the Law Society of NI on Power of Attorney and in setting up and managing a will.
The Law Society of NI said: “The Society is pleased to have been involved in the first Power of Attorney Awareness day. Using a solicitor to make an Enduring Power of Attorney and when making a will, is the best way to protect a person’s interest and provide peace of mind both for a person and their carer”.
Director of Corporate Affairs and Brand at Standard Life, and executive sponsor of the company’s carers network, Claire Hawkins, said: “Our research shows that too many people are unprepared for life events that could leave them vulnerable.
“Enduring Power of Attorney isn’t just a legal formality… it’s a vital safeguard setting out who can manage your finances in the event of something happening to you.
“Without it, loved ones may face lengthy legal processes to gain authority, often at a time of crisis, which can delay access to essential funds and support.
“Power of Attorney Day will help to educate the public and dispel myths so that people can better understand why and how to put an Enduring Power of Attorney in place before they need to use one.”
There was also a presentation on the importance of having a will and also on contingency planning (a template is available on the Carers NI website.
To find out more about today’s Power of Attorney Day, visit:
Carers NI is a charity led by carers, for carers – their mission is to make life better for carers. If you are a carer, why not join up and find extra support when it is needed.
• We give expert advice, information, and support
• We connect carers so no-one has to care alone
• We campaign together for lasting change
• We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers
For practical advice and information about caring, go to:
Standard Life is a brand that has been trusted to look after peoples’ life savings for 200 years.
Today it proudly serves millions of customers who come to Standard Life directly, through advisers and through their employers’ pension scheme. Standard Life is part of Phoenix Group, one of the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement businesses. We’re proud to be building on 200 years of Standard Life heritage together.
Standard Life products include a variety of Pensions, Bonds and Retirement options to suit people’s needs, helping our customers to invest and save for their future, and they offer a leading range of sustainable and responsible investment options.
Also, they support their customers on their journey to and through retirement with comprehensive, easy-to-understand guidance so they can invest in the right way for their needs and plan a future they feel confident about.
Comber Rec proved too strong for homeside Kilmore Rec
The NAFL,
Premier League, league game,
Venue: Robert Adams 3G Park, Saturday 18th April,
Final Score Kilmore Rec 0 4 Comber Rec.
It was a tough day at the office for Kilmore Rec who gave their all against a strong Comber Rec squad who were determined to pillage the points for the match.
Kilmore are lying at the bottom of the Premier League possibly facing relegation while Coimber Rec had a slow start to the season but picked up momentum but are just lying now mid-table. But Comber did face an upheaval over a month ago when there was a management change but the team appears to be be settled now and playing quite well.
Kilmore made a number of early charges at the Comber goal but were held off by the Comber back line.
Gradually Comber found their feet and started runs forward to the Kilmore goal area. At 10 minutes, Comber top goalscorer James Sofley almost broke through for a goal opportunity.
Comber captain Simon Hanna was working his magic again midfield feeding balls forward and crossing well. A pass to Kris Gaw saw him cross the ball smartly through the front of the Comber goal but there were no takers.
Kilmore attacked again and Fionn Mulhern volleyed on target but the ball richocheted of the legs of a defender for a corner.
Then on 25 minutes, James Sofley scored his first with a pass threaded through to him and he ran forward quickly putting the pall past keeper Blake Henry to the right hand corner low.
Sofley almost scored another goal just minute later. But Kilmore fought back and launched an attack up the right wing. But Comber turned it round and attacked. Under the pressure Kilmore gave away a penalty and Safely claimed his second goal on 29 minutes.
The nippy forward Dylan Donaldson came on replacing defender Lex Walker who must have had a knock. Donaldson went to work harrying the Kilmore defenders.
But Kilmore came back again and caption Conlon under pressure hit the ball but it just went over the top bar, a missed opportunity. Kilmore pressed again enjoying a few runs in the Comber half.
John Patterson makes a break for Kilmore Rec but Comber’s Dylan Wilson is on his tail.
From a throw-in Conlon took a header which came off the top post after a save by keeper Andrew Topping standing in for Corey Pollock who suffered a concussion in the match the previous Saturday against Islandmagee.
lmore were still determined to score and Joe Healy passed to John Mahoney who sent a chip over to Conor Curran who kicked over the top bar. Never-the-less, Kilmore did try and keep up some pressure.
In one attack, Healy made a creative side-foot flick which almost led to confounding the Comber defenders… but just for a second.
Then in 55 minutes, Mattew Tumilson hit a long ball at an angle low at the Kilmore nets past keeper Henry making a comeback all the more unlikely. This was a crucial turning point in the game.
Again Kilmore fought back and Healy hit a shot at goal but went wide.
Dylan Wilson then rubbed salt into the Kilmore wounds when he scored with a header on 60 minutes. But there were some heavy tackles from both sides and a couple of times discipline did break down making play scrappy.
Reece Whittle was voted Comber Player of the Match by the Comber fans. Included are Derek Lowry and Raymond Moreland.
Play rumbled on and Kris Gaw intervened a pass from John Patterson to Rhys Clarke who looked full of beans and up for a run at the Comber goal.
Dylan Donaldson too upped his play keeping the ball in the Kilmore half pressing the goal with darting runs.
In one attack, Kilmore’s Conor Curran chipped the ball close to the Comber goal but it went over the bar. Then Tomas Murphy blasted a low styrike but it was well held by keeper Topping.
To the end, Kilmore were defiant despite the scoreline. But at the heels of the hunt, it is hard to play against Comber’s top goal scorer with 29 goals so far this season who can make a goal out of a half-chance.
In the last five minutes, Dylan Wilson who had battled his way through the game was red-carded.
It was a tough local derby, with Comber the strongest, but full marks to Kilmore for keeping their heads up when the going was tough.
Kilmore Rec: 1 Blake Henry (GK) 2 Joshua Smyth 3 Conor Curran 4 Declan McComiskey 5 Joe Healy 6 Tomas Murphy 7 John Patterson 8 Caolan Conlon (C) 9 Fionn Mulhern 10 John Mahoney 11 Harry Smyth. Subs: 12 Charlie McCamley 14 Rhys Clarke 15 James Mahoney.
Comber Rec: 1 Andrew Topping (GK) 2 Matthew Gigson 3 Lex Walker 4 Stuart Moore 5 Reece Whittle 6 Kristopher Gaw 7 Dylan Wilson 8 Simon Hanna (C) 9 James James Sofley 10 Matthew Tumilson 11 Elliot Wilson. Subs: Dylan Donaldson 14 Brandon Nelson 15 Christopher Murray.
The Down Camogs face Armagh on Sunday 26th April in a semi-final clash in the Ulster Championship
This was another busy week for the Down Camogie organisers and players.
A spokesperson said “a huge congratulations to Down U16s who defeated Roscommon to reach the All Ireland U16 Shield Final where they will play Westmeath on the 3rd May.
“The U23s meanwhile were very unlucky to lose to Clare in their latest game in the All-Ireland Championship by a score of 0-12 to 0-9 but it was a very encouraging performance.
The Down U14 team who played against Meath.
“Down U14s meanwhile had their first competitive fixture of the year with a friendly match against Meath.
“In a very tight game, Meath ran out winners by a single point. A big thank you to the hosts who put on snacks for both teams after the game.
“And an even bigger thank you to the sponsor who arranged for a stop-off meal on the way home.
“The U14s now look forward to hosting Derry and Armagh in the first of their blitz games.
“And finally, Down Seniors face Armagh in the Semi-Final of the Ulster Championship on Sunday 26th April at 1pm in Crossmaglen.
“Good luck to Domhnall and the team.”
The U16 Down and Roscommon players and officials.The U23s: Down against Clare.
DUP Strangford MP visits Collins Aerospace at Kilkeel
Jim Shannon MP for Strangford speaking after the visit to Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel (on Friday 17th April 2026) has said that the business was a major employer in the wider Down area.
He said: “Over 1300 employees work in the aircraft security company who are part of 185,000 workforce of the RTX mother company who employ workers across the world.
“It is important to highlight the world class products made at this facility.
“I met some of my constituents from Strangford, Crossgar, Ballygowan and Newtownards who travel daily to Kilkeel, they have been employed there for 10-20 years.
Jim Shannon MP. front centre, with staff and representatives of Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel.
“It was incredible to see the process of manufacturing aircraft seats… seats that are used for all major airlines.
“25% of the world seat production in sales are made in Kilkeel and this business is vital part of the NI economy, worth millions to the local economy each year.
“It is fantaqstic to see that the business is growing and that they are recruiting at the moment.
“I would encourage young people to get into this great company and settle into a good job for life. To continue to be competitive with the help of Invest NI has been crucial for the company so that it can continue to happen its work, and I know that every pound of investment will produce much more dividends going forward.
“I was most impressed by the workforce… they were happy, smiling, well paid and committed to Collins Aerospace at Kilkeel.
“This integral part of our economy and should be support by all across NI.
“Long may they be an increasing and growing part of NI – the face of progress and prosperity and it is important that we continue to highlight and promote the world-class work that is carried out in Northern Ireland.
“We do have a lot more capacity to use and optimise our highly skilled workforces and we enjoy low business rates than more avenues globally.
“I will continue to promote Northern Ireland as a home to manufacturing and so much more, at every opportunity,” added Jim Shannon MP.
McGrath says protecting South Down’s Natural Beauty cannot wait… set up an Independent Environmental Agency now
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has said urgent action is needed to protect South Down’s natural environment and deliver stronger independent oversight before the end of the current Assembly mandate.
Mr McGrath said people across South Down are proud of the landscapes and coastlines that make the area so special, but want to see far greater action to protect them for future generations.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath says the natural beauty of South Down cannot be neglected as we head towards an Assembly change next May…. it’s time to set up an Independent Environmental Protection Agency.
“From the Mournes to our beaches, forests, rivers and coastline, South Down is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural places anywhere on this island,” he said.
“Places such as along the Quoile, Murlough, Tyrella, Strangford and our stunning Mourne coastline are part of who we are. They matter to local families, to tourism, to wildlife and to our sense of pride in this area.”
Mr McGrath said repeated reviews had already identified serious failings in environmental governance.
“We have had review after review telling us the same thing, that protections are too weak, enforcement is not good enough and public confidence has been damaged.
“At this stage nobody can claim they do not know the problem. What is missing is political will.”
He said the SDLP has consistently called for the creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency.
“This was promised years ago and there is no excuse for any more delay.
“Northern Ireland is already one of the most nature-depleted regions on these islands. We only need to look at the crisis at Lough Neagh to see the cost of failing to act. South Down residents want. practical action.
“People want clean water, protected beaches, thriving wildlife and properly safeguarded green spaces.
“With limited time left in this mandate, the Executive must get on with establishing an independent Environmental Protection Agency now.
“If we are serious about protecting South Down’s natural beauty, then the time for excuses has passed.”
DUP failing to support teachers and address workload says Cathy Mason MLA
The DUP has consistently failed teachers on workload, Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said.
South Down MLA Cathy Mason is concerned at research which shows that teachers are suffering burn-out due to workload stress saying she believes the Education Minister is contributing to it by compiling surveys and reports causing teacher stress.
Speaking after new research from Dublin City University and St Mary’s University College Belfast showed 9 in 10 teachers here are experiencing work-related burnout, the South Down MLA said; “This report highlights increasing numbers of teachers experiencing work-related burnout, with the majority citing workload as the main reason.
“Rather than addressing the huge stress felt by teachers, Education Minister Paul Givan has added to it through endless surveys, consultations, policies, paperwork and bureaucracy, all in pursuit of a harmful and regressive reform agenda.
“The work our teachers do in nurturing young people and giving them the best start in life continues to be undervalued by Paul Givan,” said Cathy Mason.
She added: “Teachers are at the end of their tether. It’s time for action to be taken to alleviate these pressures.”
Cllr Willie Clarke welcomes the Newcastle Centre consultation giving the public a say in its design
Sinn Féin representatives have welcomed the recent public consultation event on the proposed new Newcastle Leisure Centre as a significant and positive step forward for the town.
Speaking after the consultation held in Newcastle centre on Monday evening, Cllr Willie Clarke described the engagement process led by the appointed specialist design team as a “defining moment” in the delivery of a modern, inclusive leisure facility for the community.
Cllr Clarke, alongside Cllr Niall Lawlor, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the project continues to be shaped by the needs and voices of local people. They praised the consultants for facilitating meaningful engagement and for committing to further public consultation events as the design progresses.
Cllr Willie Clarke has welcomed the consultation event in Newcastle to help co-design the new Newcastle Centre.
“This is about co-designing a facility for the people of Newcastle,” Cllr Clarke said. “It is vital that the community remains at the heart of this process, and it is encouraging to see that commitment from the design.
“Sinn Féin have worked tirelessly to keep this project moving forward and rooted in the heart of our town.
“Retaining a town centre location ensures accessibility for all of the community and helps avoid unnecessary delays. This is a positive project that will transform our local leisure offering.”
Cllr Clarke added: “This facility will make a real difference to families across the area. Its progression is a welcome boost for the entire community.
“It is particularly encouraging that the co-design process* is central to the development, ensuring the final facility caters for everyone from local athletes and young children to older residents and visitors.”
Cllr Clarke also emphasised his party’s broader commitment to delivering high-quality public amenities and said: “Sinn Féin is working hard in local government to deliver the kind of leisure facilities our communities deserve.
“I would encourage everyone to stay engaged and to take part in up-coming consultation opportunities.”
The new Newcastle Leisure Centre is expected to play a key role in enhancing health, wellbeing, and community life in the area, with ongoing public input helping to shape a facility that meets the needs of all.
***
* Co-designing a project is a collaborative, participatory approach that brings together professionals, stakeholders, and people with lived experience to design solutions together, rather than designing for them. It shifts power from traditional top-down models to shared decision-making, using creative, hands-on methods to ensure the end product meets real-world needs and fosters community ownership. (GOV.UK blog) development.
