Banbridge Youth Resource Centre Update

Carla Lockhart MP • April 16, 2024

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has been pressing for the urgent reopening of Banbridge Youth Resource Centre following a long period of closure. Having been significantly lobbied by a number of young people the MP has been pressing for answers and seeking assurances that work will commence quickly.

Speaking on the issue Carla Lockhart MP said, “I took time last week to meet with Eimear and Sarah both of which are involved in Youth Provision across the Southern District. Eimear is the lead co-ordinator in Banbridge and does a superb job in ensuring that young people are well catered for with regards to youth initiatives. 

 

It has been an unfortunate situation where owing to an initial heat pump problem it resulted in secondary problems with a burst pipe causing significant damage to parts of the building. I am please that together we have all been pushing for resolve and can confirm that the works to the building have commenced this week and the estimated time for completion is 4 weeks which will allow for the centre to re-open. Whilst the Centre has been shut every effort has been made to have provision continue off-site. This has been challenging but in the main has helped with regards to continuity of service and ensuing youth services for our young people.

 

I am delighted we have now an end date in site and will continue to press for timetable to be honoured. Thank you to the ladies and all the youth providers for their hard work and for all the efforts to continue with the youth projects and offerings off site over the last 3/4 months. I look forward to visiting again when the facility reopens.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP January 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has spoken of her bitter disappointment following confirmation that Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) will not be added to the routine newborn heel-prick screening programme, despite sustained campaigning and evidence that the condition can be treated if identified at birth.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Confirmation that DAERA will absorb laboratory costs associated with the mandatory pre-movement testing of animals in the designated Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone, has been welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has described the Labour government’s increased inheritance tax threshold on agricultural and business property relief as a hard-won and welcome concession, but says it remains insufficient.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 7, 2026
As we enter a new year, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reflected on the challenges of the past 12 months while setting out her priorities for 2026, reaffirming her commitment to serving constituents across the area. 
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a new local business venture after visiting Morning Buzz Coffee, praising the commitment and initiative behind a one-man operation serving the local community.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns about the safety of rural roads during the current spell of severe winter weather, following a recent bus incident at Esky and ongoing engagement with Roads Service officials on gritting arrangements, grit salt availability and the treatment of rural routes across the constituency.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns over significant delays facing women referred to breast clinics under the “red flag” pathway across Northern Ireland, with waiting times stretching far beyond the 14-day target designed to ensure rapid assessment where breast cancer is suspected.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 31, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has been a strong adversary for Northern Ireland agriculture over the last twelve months, and has pledged to continue championing the industry in 2026.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 30, 2025
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the Labour Government of ‘ stage-managing’ the Farm Profitability Review and deliberately silencing the most serious concern facing farmers – inheritance tax.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has welcomed the government’s decision to increase family farm tax thresholds, offering long overdue relief to a large number of farming families and rural communities.