Greysteel

Greysteel Surr ("Glás Stíl" in Irish)cite web | title=Greysteel | work=Culture Ireland | url=http:///YourArea.aspx?location=440 | accessdate=2008-06-23] is a village in County derry, Ireland, 14km to the east of Derry and 11km to the west of Limavady on the main A2 coast road between Limavady and Derry overlooking Lough Foyle. It is designated as a Large Village and in the 2001 Census it had a population of 1,229 people, [cite web | title=Area Profile of Greysteel - Based on 2001 Census | work=NI Neighbourhood Information Service | url=http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/mapxtreme_towns/report.asp?settlementName=Greysteel&BandName=Village | accessdate=2008-06-23] an increase of almost 20% compared to 1991.cite web | title=Greysteel Settlement Designation | work=Planning Service - Draft Northern Area Plan 2016 | url=http://www.planningni.gov.uk/AreaPlans_Policy/Plans/Northern/draft_plan/Volume2/Part6/Villages/Greysteel.htm | accessdate=2008-06-23]

Features

Until relatively recently, the village had limited local facilities, with a modest sized general shop, a few other retail units, a primary school, a Gaelic club with playing fields and several public houses. However, the recent construction of the Vale Centre, developed by Greysteel Community Enterprise, a local development group, includes a range of commercial/industrial units and playing fields and has improved the situation. A range of activities is available in the Centre, including an after school club, adult learning centre and sports facilities. Commercial facilities in the Centre, provide an opportunity for small business start-ups and a further 10 units are currently under construction. The village has grown considerably during the Post War period, mostly through new public sector housing up to the 1970s, and subsequently through considerable private housing development.

History

The Greysteel massacre took place on 30 October, 1993 when three members of the Ulster Freedom Fighters attacked a bar with firearms, killing eight people. This was the only fatal incident of the Troubles to occur in or near Greysteel.

Places of interest

*Nearby Faughanvale Old church dates back to the medieval period and is dedicated to Saint Canice.

Transport

The village is adequately served in terms of public transport and City of Derry Airport is located 4km to the west.

port

*Faughanvale GAC is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club.

2001 Census

Greysteel is classified as a village by the [http://www.nisra.gov.uk/ NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA)] (ie with a population between 1,000 and 2,250 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 1,229 people living in Greysteel. Of these:
*25.4% were aged under 16 years and 11.7% were aged 60 and over
*50.2% of the population were male and 49.8% were female
*96.6% were from a Catholic background and 2.9% were from a Protestant background
*0.8% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed.

For more details see: [http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/ NI Neighbourhood Information Service]

See also

*List of villages in Ireland
*List of towns in Ireland

References