Green light for new Dunmurry sports facility

The Planning Service has granted permission for a third generation football pitch, fencing, floodlighting, car parking and changing facilities at the school site.

Principal Mr Mervyn Magee said everyone at the school was "absolutely thrilled and delighted" with the news.

"I would like to thank all the people who have got it to this point," he continued. "This is a very vital facility for the community and we are looking forward to seeing it all come to fruition as soon as possible."

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig, who has been campaigning for the facility for several years, said: "This go ahead will mean a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), similar to that at Laurelhill Community College, which will serve the whole Dunmurry area.

"This facility will not only will be used by the local community but interest has also been shown by both Distillery and Derriaghy Football Clubs, who it could use it as a training facility.

"The school has been pushing very hard for a facility like this," he continued. "It is an important milestone that investment is made in the Dunmurry area."