In the early 1990’s there was a school of thought that a lot of the effects of the troubles in Northern Ireland could be alleviated by addressing issues of economic decline…

As such, various schemes were put in place for communities to avail of funding that would address economic decline and dereliction.

Dundrum took advantage of these schemes and was able to access funding that facilitated the purchase and development of a derelict site in a prominent location in the village. Alongside this, a funding scheme was put in place to facilitate the painting of buildings on the Main Street and the installation of an environmental improvement scheme.

Supporting the education of local children has long been a priority of Dundrum Development Association.

The Association has made a number of grants to local schools to help them with the purchase of equipment to enable children to get the best from their time in the classroom. We have provided financial assistance to the two rural primary schools which cater for the vast majority of Dundrum children – Sacred Heart Primary School and Cumran Primary School – and also the Knockevin Early Years Centre, based in the centre of Dundrum.

At Sacred Heart primary we provided a grant to enable the creation of an outdoor classroom while at Cumran primary a financial contribution from the Association allowed the purchase of interactive white boards for several classrooms. At the Knockevin Early Years Centre a grant helped this inspirational complex purchase outdoor play equipment.

DUNDRUM Development Association puts great store in helping members of the community experience the best of village life.

In December 2021 the Association provided a grant to Dundrum Village Association which enabled it to put on one of the best Christmas lights displays the village has seen for some time.
The Association also continued a long established tradition of providing a boost for the village’s senior citizens. Before the pandemic the Association paid for a Christmas dinner for pensioners but because of Covid this was changed to vouchers to spend in local shops – a practice which has taken place for the past two years.
We have also supported the RIOT (Revival in Our Town) community organisation in providing an adventure playground, and other improvements, at its complex on the Manse Road.
But the Association also carries out other work in the village beyond providing assistance to various groups. For example, the Association regularly pays for the removal of weeds from footpaths on Main Street and the cutting back of hedges which are getting out of control.