Ballycarry MUGA pitch on track for June completion

The rejuvenation work is part of over £1.27 million being invested in 17 villages across Mid and East Antrim under the Village Renewal Programme.

The programme is funded by Council and DAERA with support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The project will see a new floodlit polymeric rubber Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) constructed on the former all weather kick-about area beside the children’s play area.

The new facility will be approximately 30 metres long by 17 metres wide.

Mild steel fencing will also be erected around the facility.

The rubber surfacing will facilitate a wide variety of sports and other activities including football with nets and line markings being provided.

A basketball practice net is also included immediately outside the MUGA, as is a seating area for spectators.

Billy Thompson, Chairman of Ballycarry & District Community Association, said: “We are delighted the community will soon have access to this state of the art facility that will contribute to increasing the numbers participating in sport and physical activity.

“This new MUGA pitch will act as a hub for the community, encouraging more active lifestyles choices and creating a space for groups and teams to come together and socialise through sport.”

Funding for the village renewal programme is being provided under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.

Council has also been able to commit additional capital funding to several of the initiatives as the projects under development also tie in with Council’s Capital Development Plan.