Seven community groups in Portrush are set to benefit thanks to support from The Open Legacy Fund.
The initiative is run by The R&A to leave a positive and lasting legacy for the local community in which The Open is staged each year. Support is provided to projects which focus on low carbon technologies, circular economy, nature and social value – the four areas which underpin the Greenlinks sustainability programme for the Championship.
A panel of representatives from The R&A, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush Golf Club has assessed submitted applications and confirmed that the following groups will benefit from The Open Legacy Fund:
- Paul’s Legacy
- Portrush Bowling Club
- Portrush FC Youths
- Portrush Heritage Group
- Sea2it C.I.C
- St Patrick`s Primary School Portrush
- St Patrick’s Hall Committee, Portrush
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said, “We received tremendous support from the local community both in the lead up to and during The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush and the legacy fund is our way of saying thank you to residents and local businesses.
“We have chosen to support initiatives which will provide real value to the town of Portrush and its residents and hope that this funding will leave a lasting benefit to the local community by enabling these groups to continue their great work.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented, “For one week in July, Portrush was the centre of the golfing world. The grace, good spirits and cooperation of the local community in Portrush enabled the success of such a wonderful global event.
“Council welcomes the Legacy Fund as a powerful way to thank the local community and support important local work. This will leave a lasting legacy in our town of Portrush that hosted The 153rd Open.”
Today’s announcement follows the recently revealed results of independent research which shows The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush generated £280 million in economic benefit for Northern Ireland, of which £43 million was direct money for Causeway Coast and Glens from staging the record-breaking Championship last July.
Below is a summary of how the Community Groups are putting the funding to good use.
Paul’s Legacy
Providing six defibrillators around the Causeway Coast for the community. CPR and defibrillator training will be also offered to the local people.
Portrush Bowling Club
Purchase of modern, hybrid/electric machinery to enhance the playing surface at the council owned bowls club. Support also to be put towards an agronomy programme. It is hoped that, by providing a better playing surface, the club will be able to attract new members to join and play bowls in Portrush.
Portrush FC Youths
Purchase of football equipment and an associated storage unit, as well as training for volunteers and coaches. This will allow the club to put on extra sessions and provide more opportunities for a more diverse range of people to access football coaching in Portrush.
Portrush Heritage Group
Enhance the current offering of walking tours around Portrush by establishing guided walking tours for schools, community groups and other interest groups, as well as launching an accredited community training programme with Northern Regional College to develop a team of skilled local tour guides. They also wish to develop inclusivity through the provision of hearing loops and video tours for those with mobility issues.
Sea2it C.I.C
Enhance community relations with the sea around Portrush through enhanced coastal cleanup. The project involves purchasing a new engine for their boat, allowing them to cover a larger area of coast, as well as purchasing improved PPE, so activities can take place all year round. This will have environmental and social impacts on local communities.
St Patrick`s Primary School
Refurbishment of the school hall at St Patrick’s Primary school so it can open up to a wider variety of community activities, as well as providing a better facility for the students at the school, for sport, assemblies, lunches and other activities.
St Patrick’s Hall Committee
This project builds upon the long term strategy for the hall to help broaden the range of activities offered and make the building a sustainable community facility. The project will firstly draught-proof and insulate the building, creating a better, healthier environment for users, whilst reducing energy bills and associated costs. Roof repairs form part of this project as well as refurbishment of two back corridors.
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