Alpha Programme gives £2 million helping hand to community

Celebrating the Alpha Programme which has gave a £2 million helping hand to local Community Projects in the greater Belfast and Lisburn areas are Liam McDonald, Alpha Resource Management; Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson MP; Lord Mayor Lisburn City Council, Councillor Andrew Ewing and Sylvia Gordon, Director at Groundwork NI.

The Alpha Programme - managed by Groundwork NI - allocates its funding through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, which helps improve the lives of communities living within a 10 mile radius of the Mullaghglass landfill site at Castlerobin on the outskirts of Lisburn.

Since the Alpha programme’s launch in 2008, a total of 73 projects have been assisted with funding to date of £2,226,652.92.

Commenting on the success of the Alpha Programme’s milestone event at Lisburn Civic Centre, Mark Kelly, from Alpha Resource Management said; “Alpha Resource Management recognised the opportunity to develop a programme for distribution of Landfill Tax Credit funds for the operation of the Mullaghglass Landfill site. We have been impressed with Groundwork NI and the associated projects that have been undertaken in the heart of local communities over the last six years.

“The Alpha Programme has funded a diverse range of projects which have had a positive impact in the surrounding areas. These have included community gardens, play areas, sports grounds and facilities plus many more community led environmental regeneration schemes.

Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing said; “It is encouraging to see a local company working with communities to promote environmental and biodiversity projects through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. The funding to date has enriched many areas within the Lisburn area and we look forward to seeing this initiative develop further.”

Jeffrey Donaldson, Lagan Valley MP added; “The Alpha programme has transformed derelict spaces into shared areas and also improved local wildlife places of interest for visitors. I am delighted to mark this milestone with those who have benefited greatly from its assistance over the years.

“I have experienced first-hand the difference that Alpha funding can make to both community spaces and environmental projects and would encourage groups who are interested in improving their offering to get involved and learn more about the Alpha Programme.”

Applications for the next stage of funding are open until Friday January 9 2015 at 5pm followed by Friday March 27 2015 at 5pm. For more information on the programme, visit www.alphaprogramme.com or www.groundworkni.org.