MEP MacManus visits Ballyconnell Community Centre

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has commended all involved in ongoing efforts to bring Ballyconnell Community Centre back into use, stating that the facility has the potential to be of great benefit to the local community. The Midlands Northwest representative was speaking after a recent visit to the community centre alongside his Sinn Féin colleague Damien Brady.

MEP MacManus said:
“I was pleased to visit Ballyconnell Community Centre recently and meet with Lorraine O’Loughran and Emma O’Neill alongside my Sinn Féin colleague Damien Brady.”

“I would like to commend them and all the members of the local community group for their efforts to successfully bring the building into community ownership.”

“This is a welcome development, given that the facility had been closed for some time under it’s previous owners and that the initial development of the building over 30 years ago was funded by donations from the local community.”

“It is a fantastic facility with a performance venue, handball alley, basketball court and many other different spaces, and has the potential to be of great benefit to the local community, especially for young people given the lack of facilities for them in the town.”

“I was very impressed with the group’s ambition for the building, and they have already secured funding for the replacement of the roof and have further plans to improve the building and bring it back into use.”

MacManus concluded, “I hope that these efforts are supported going forward by the relevant bodies and I wish all involved the very best for the future.” ENDS

Pictured at Ballyconnell Community Centre are (L-R): Lorraine O’Loughran, Damien Brady, Emma O’Neill, Chris MacManus MEP