Murphy pledges to support Dungiven schools' development if elected

Independent candidate in the upcoming council election, Niall Murphy has said if elected he will pledge to fully support the development of St. Patrick’s College and St. Canice’s Primary School in Dungiven, including much need upgrades to both schools – safeguarding these indispensable local services for the next 50 years.

“St. Canice’s and St. Patrick’s hold a special significance for me, as I attended both – like many other people from this area going back 50 years,” said the Dungiven man.

“Having a primary and secondary school in Dungiven is absolutely essential and as numbers continue to grow for both, I am fully committed to ensuring they have the facilities they need to serve the community for the next 50 years.

“Dungiven now has the benefit of both mainstream and Irish language speaking schools, providing children and parents with incredible choices. The development of the Irish language schools is a credit to all involved, especially in securing the massive investments in a number of new premises including a 22 classroom facility at the Castle. I have no doubt everyone will want to see this investment extended to our other schools, St. Canice’s and St. Patrick’s which are both in need of upgrades ensuring that the choice families in the area currently enjoy can be safeguarded for future generations.”

Mr Murphy believes a dedicated youth facility in Dungiven would help young people 'thrive'.

“I think with a building upgrade to St. Patrick’s in particular we could also look at folding in a dedicated custom built youth facility for Dungiven – a service which young people in this area are crying out for,” he continued.

“As many people will know, I ran The Warehouse Youth Centre in Dungiven for a number of years, before moving to youth mental health charity LATCH. The Warehouse is still fondly remembered by all those who attended, creating bonds of friendship and in at least a couple of cases, bonds of marriage. Such services are absolutely essential particularly in rural areas not just for their recreational value but as a skills development hub. We need one back here.”

Mr Murphy added: “By supporting the schools and a youth facility, ensuring they have what they need to thrive in the future makes complete sense if we want to have a strong and cohesive community. I would ask people who strongly believe in this mission to throw their weight behind me in the upcoming election.”