First Ministerat ground breaking ceremony

First Minister Arlene Foster was shovel ready in Ballymoney on Friday as she attended a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of what will be a brand new, £1.7 million pound sports facility at Dalriada School.
WOMEN'S OWN. First Minister Arlene Foster chats to Assumpta McGonigle, Head of Home Economics and Classroom Assistant, Ann Lamont on Friday.INBM15-16 003SC.WOMEN'S OWN. First Minister Arlene Foster chats to Assumpta McGonigle, Head of Home Economics and Classroom Assistant, Ann Lamont on Friday.INBM15-16 003SC.
WOMEN'S OWN. First Minister Arlene Foster chats to Assumpta McGonigle, Head of Home Economics and Classroom Assistant, Ann Lamont on Friday.INBM15-16 003SC.

Minister of Finance Mervyn Storey was also in attendance as political figures, staff and pupils gathered to look forward to a bright sporting future at Dalriada.

Funding for the build which will see the erection of a brand new fitness suite, changing rooms, gym and a refurbishment of the already existing Sports Hall at the St James’ Road secondary school, was delivered in its entirety by the Sports Enhancement Programme, courtesy of The Department of Education.

Headmaster of Dalriada School, Mr Tom Skelton, welcomed the first minister saying: “Today is a celebration of the future of Dalriada School and we are delighted to welcome The First Minister, Arlene Foster and the Finance Minister Mervyn Storey to share this occasion with us.

PREFECT DAY. First Minister Arlene Foster and Finance Minister Mervyn Storey, pictured with Prefects on Friday.INBM15-16 004SC.PREFECT DAY. First Minister Arlene Foster and Finance Minister Mervyn Storey, pictured with Prefects on Friday.INBM15-16 004SC.
PREFECT DAY. First Minister Arlene Foster and Finance Minister Mervyn Storey, pictured with Prefects on Friday.INBM15-16 004SC.

“I would like to publicly thank The Department of Education for providing 100% of the funding towards what will be one of the most state-of-the-art sports facilities found in any School in the Province. It will help our young sports men and women fulfil any ambition they have in a multitude of sporting pursuits. We will strive to ensure that the gift we have been given empowers and inspires our students when it is officially opened in November 2017.

“The addition of the new sports facilities will coincide with a new focus on capturing community spirit.

“We want the people of Ballymoney to be really proud of the achievements of this School and its pupils, so we will soon be launching a new initiative called Friends of Dalriada, a forum for past pupils, or anyone with an interest in seeing the school blaze a trail, to get involved with school events.”

The First Minister also visited Ballymoney High School.