James and Linda McCartney from Bush Road Races which received funding through Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council’s Strategic Partnership Event Fund.

DUNGANNON & South Tyrone Borough Council today unveiled details of a funding package that will see £900,000 invested in communities, sports and events in the next 12 months.

The first tranche, totalling £450,000, was awarded at a special event at Ranfurly House in Dungannon and will underpin a wide range of social, voluntary, cultural and sports developments.

The majority, £300,000, comes from a special Community & Voluntary Sector Legacy Fund aimed at delivering positive social change in the Borough.

A further £125,000 was allocated through the Sport and Leisure Capital Development Fund with £25,000 going to support local events through the Strategic Partnership Event Fund.

As it enters its final year, the Council has also committed another £300,000 of Legacy funding and £150,000 worth of Sports Funding, all of which will open to applications in forthcoming weeks.

The Mayor, Cllr Sean McGuigan, paid tribute to the important role of community organisations and the successful partnership approach adopted by the Council.

He said: “This funding package is good news for everyone in the Borough and will support a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the Council catchment.

“Community and voluntary organisations make a unique and valuable contribution to the quality of life for people throughout the Borough.

“The Council is proud of our support for their efforts and has worked closely with them to promote a healthy, peaceful and prosperous region.

“This latest allocation of funding has been carefully considered to maximise short and long-term benefits.

“It is among the biggest we’ve ever provided and will be among the final investments we make before the new Mid-Ulster Council is established.

“There is a wave of positive transformation rippling through the Borough and the new council will have a responsibility to sustain that momentum.”

The funding will support a broad portfolio of projects and activities including walking trails and boxing rings; transport for youth activities; development of community buildings; improved facilities for disabled children; solar energy systems and IT equipment.

Philip Clarke Community Development Manager said: “Financial assistance is important but it is only one part of our support for community groups.

“Equally important are the partnerships that the Council develops with local groups and the advice and guidance we provide.

“This allocation of funding provides a fitting legacy to this Council and its benefits will be evident for many years to come.”

Last year, Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council also launched a £1million investment plan aimed at boosting enterprise and entrepreneurship in the region and a £2.2m public realm scheme is due to be completed in July.