Denis Rooney CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today (Wednesday 2nd July) officially opened phase two and phase three of workspace and enterprise units at Ballysaggart Business Complex,  Dungannon. Situated on Beech Valley Way, phase two provides 5,325 sq ft of new workspace including three specialist industrial units on the ground floor and one large function room on the second floor. Phase three provides 3,500 sq ft of new workspace including three offices and three light industrial units which are primarily targeted at encouraging women, young people and ethnic minority entrepreneurs. The new developments, housed in the same building have been funded by different parties. Phase two was funded by the International Fund for Ireland (£250,000); Department for Social Development Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Programme (£127,000); Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council (£189,000) and Dungannon West Renewal (£88,000). The International Fund for Ireland also contributed £40,000 to Phase three of the building and other funding came from DETI Peace II (£127,124); Department for Social Development - Local Community Fund (£50,000); and STEP - South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (£37,124). These new extensions to Ballysaggart Business Complex have the potential to employ 36 people. Speaking at the opening, Denis Rooney said: “Today is a great celebration for all the parties involved to attend the combined opening. This building is a superb example of how organisations working together can achieve a great deal to directly benefit their communities.”“This investment will help stimulate economic growth, develop potential for employment and facilitate skills training for the people of Dungannon. Creating conditions in which businesses can flourish is a key focus for the Fund.” Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, Minister for Social Development said: “Our Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy seeks to ensure that people living in disadvantaged areas enjoy the same quality of life as everyone else in Northern Ireland. I am pleased that my Department is making a positive contribution to improve the economic prospects for people living in the Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Area. I wish to congratulate the members on the Board of Dungannon West who have worked tirelessly to make the project happen.” Liam Waugh from Dungannon West Renewal said: “When we formed Dungannon West Renewal in 1995 there was extensive dereliction and underdevelopment in the area. For over 12 years now, we have been working together with the public and private sectors to transform the west side of Dungannon, particularly with the provision of workspace and facilities for new and existing businesses. It is fantastic to see the area now thriving and busy. I am very grateful to all the funders for their contribution.” Ann McGlone at South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP) added: “Our premises are aimed primarily at individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity provided here which underlines the role we have in contributing to the regeneration of Dungannon West. I would like to extend thanks to DETI, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and the International Fund for Ireland for their funding which made this project possible.” Andrew Winter from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment who contributed to Phase 3 of the building said:“ In providing £127,124 to this project from the Peace II Programme, DETI aims to support the economic transition of Northern Ireland to a more stable, peaceful and prosperous society through the construction of economic infrastructure. This workspace development will stimulate growth, encourage investment and create employment opportunities for the people of the area. “Development like this exemplifies the important contribution that European funding is making to the economic regeneration of disadvantaged communities across Northern Ireland.” Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone, Cllr The Lord Morrow, MLA of Clogher Valley said, “This building is a great example of the partnerships which the Council has been endeavouring to promote in the field of business regeneration, neighbourhood renewal and development. Ballysaggart Business Complex now provides affordable workspace for a wide variety of businesses and has given the area a much needed economic boost.”

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