Glór Uachtar Tíre fund request

Glór Uachtar Tíre fund request

17 April 2024

AN Irish language group based in Castlewellan is to lobby the Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove for a “grace period” over capital grant worth just over £204,000.

Following a request from Mournes Alliance councillor Andy McMurray, Newry, Mourne and Down Council is to write to Mr Gove on behalf of Glór Uachtar Tíre.

The group is seeking an extension of time to approve the remaining funds and extend a time-frame to allow for completion of works.

Cllr McMurray tabled a notice of motion on the issue at last week’s monthly meeting of the local authority on behalf of Glór Uachtar Tire which provides conversation classes, podcasts, youth clubs, activity residentials, children’s events and other activities.

Describing the organisation as a “real asset to any community,” he said its development proposal will materially improve what is currently an empty facility in a prominent position in Castlewellan by bringing it back in to use.

“While the project has been approved and has progressed significantly, there have been a number of unforeseen issues, which have delayed it,” Cllr McMurray told the meeting.

“This was due to the initial property identified being removed form the market and a new more prominent property being purchased. The funds have already been approved and can be drawn down in the usual time-frame to secure the project.”

Cllr McMurray said the project was very much under progress and moving in the right direction, but the issue was timing and associated pressures.

“This motion is asking the minister to respond in a positive manner to the efforts in which the group and its architect have made in order to over come the final few hurdles to see the completion of this project.”

Following an amendment tabled by Downpatrick Sinn Fein councillor Oonagh Hanlon, the council agreed to also write to Jacob Young, the Under Secretary of State for Levelling Up.