Handing over publicland can help localpeople live longer

By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2013, 09:50 BST
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has addressed the DTNI conference in Londonderry. Pictured with the Minister:(L-R) Nigel Kinnaird chair of DTNI; Heather Quigley, vice-chair DTNI; and Peter Kelly, DTNI Board member.Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has addressed the DTNI conference in Londonderry. Pictured with the Minister:(L-R) Nigel Kinnaird chair of DTNI; Heather Quigley, vice-chair DTNI; and Peter Kelly, DTNI Board member.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has addressed the DTNI conference in Londonderry. Pictured with the Minister:(L-R) Nigel Kinnaird chair of DTNI; Heather Quigley, vice-chair DTNI; and Peter Kelly, DTNI Board member.
HANDING over public buildings and land to Londonderry community and voluntary groups at discount prices could help people live longer, become more literate and numerate and bond together.

Thus Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland indicated at the Development Trusts’ NI (DTNI) first annual conference at the City Hotel. He said Community Asset Transfer policy could bring real and tangible benefits.

“Finding an alternative use for surplus public sector assets can be a catalyst to stimulate regeneration and community cohesion across our towns and cities. The proposed policy framework for Community Asset Transfer has the potential to influence much more than social enterprise growth.

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“Evidence from other regions shows that the wider regeneration associated with community asset transfer can lead to better outcomes in health, education and community well-being,” said the Minister.

“This very much fits with the Executive’s broader aim in addressing issues of deprivation and poverty which have affected some of our communities for generations.

“It is clear to me that there is a real desire within government, the private sector and the voluntary and community sector to use assets transfer as a means of delivering social change across Northern Ireland. I am confident that together, we can use our collective skills and experience to make it a success,” he continued.