Bishop Smith officially opens Holy Family Community Centre, DroghedaThe official opening ceremony of the newly built Holy Family Community Centre, in the Ballsgrove Estate, Drogheda was conducted today, 4th September, by Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath.  The new, purpose built Community Centre was built at a cost of EUR1,357,000, with the International Fund for Ireland being the principal funder, providing over EUR500,000 of financial support under its Border Towns and Villages Scheme (BTV).  Other funding sources included Louth Task Force (Peace and Reconciliation), EUR300,000, Sports Capital Programme 2008, EUR80,000 and the Dormant Accounts Fund, EUR200,000.The new facility replaces the dilapidated prefab buildings which housed the Community Centre for the past number of years, but which were badly damaged during the high winds and storms of January 2007.  Those prefabs catered for over 20 community organisations in very limited conditions and covering a wide range of age groups and activities.The new communal and recreational facility now comprises a space of 6,300 sq ft. and will provide an indoor sports hall for teenager activities and other local social functions.  In addition, a small coffee shop will be operated.Speaking at the official opening, Aidan Walsh, Chairman of the Holy Family Community Centre, said: "We are absolutely delighted with today’s event, which marks a significant achievement and milestone for the community of Ballsgrove.  On behalf of the Board of the Holy Family Community Centre, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our fundraisers, funders, advisors, contractors and the community at large for making today possible. We very much look forward to welcoming back all our old friends, groups and classes and hopefully making many new friends in the years ahead."Commenting on the new Holy Family Community Centre, Denis Rooney, Chairman, International Fund for Ireland, said: "For over 20 years, the International Fund for Ireland has worked to regenerate the most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland and the Border counties as a stimulus for economic and social development.  On behalf of the Fund and our donor countries, may I say how pleased we are to be associated with this project, which will play an instrumental role in enhancing and supporting the regeneration of the local community."As one of the fastest growing provincial towns in Ireland, Drogheda is also experiencing significant levels of unemployment, particularly in a number of housing estates such as Ballsgrove.  The Holy Family Community Association, which is located in the Ballsgrove Estate, will manage the only community facility in this broad catchment area, south of the Boyne River.

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