A new sports floodlighting project at New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland has been announced as part of the the council’s PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan. The project, which will see floodlights installed on two pitches, is a joint initiative between the school and Aghaderg-Ballyvarley GAA club.
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, (SEUPB). PEACE Programmes have played an important role in reinforcing progress towards a more peaceful and stable society here since they were established in 1995.
The council’s four-year PEACEPLUS programme will roll out a series of social, community, cultural and capital projects and events, with the aim of developing and promoting community relations, respect, diversity and active citizenship. The common thread that runs through the 40 projects is a need to enhance local provisions and break down barriers, to create opportunities for people and communities across the borough to engage with each other.
Speaking at the New-Bridge Integrated College sports day, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said: “This project has been selected for our PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan, as one of a small number of shared space capital schemes. I am delighted to see New-Bridge Integrated College and the local GAA club in Aghaderg come together to develop a partnership proposal that will benefit school students, club members and the wider community. By providing floodlights on the new pitches at the school, this project will enhance the local leisure and recreation provision.”
The project in Loughbrickland is one of three capital schemes under the PEACEPLUS LCAP Community Advantage Programme. The other two projects will be developed at City of Armagh Rugby Club and Laurelvale Cricket Club. On completion of the capital works, these shared space projects will deliver a range of activity programmes.
The state-of-the-art new school complex in Loughbrickland includes three sports pitches. The PEACEPLUS Project will deliver floodlights on two of these pitches. The partnership with the local Aghaderg-Ballyvarley GAA club will place the school and club at the heart of community life in the village and parish.
New-Bridge Integrated College Principal Anne Anderson said: “We are absolutely delighted that our joint funding application with Aghaderg Gaelic Football Club/Ballyvarley Hurling Club has been approved. This is a very exciting development for the school in further enhancing our provision. We moved into our new school build in June 2025, which was funded through Fresh Start Agreement Funding and we are delighted that PEACEPLUS funding will enable our school to further promote this shared space and in so doing creating many opportunities for wider community use. As an Integrated School, we are very proud of the diverse range of sports already on offer in our school and this project will now enable a variety of clubs to benefit from this provision. We are very grateful to the ABC Council and PEACEPLUS for this investment.”
Aghaderg-Ballyvarley GAA Club Chairperson Gary Reilly said: “Aghaderg/Ballyvarley GAC is delighted to have played a part in securing this vital PEACEPLUS funding for the new floodlights at New-Bridge Integrated College. With this new infrastructure project, the pitches can operate fully during the winter months, providing vital training and playing facilities, as well as a shared space for people from across our communities. Our partnership with New-Bridge Integrated College has been a fruitful one, and we thank ABC Council as lead partner and the SEUPB for granting this award, which will have a very positive impact on our village and wider community.”
