EU to give €10.6m to repair sectarian violence

The European Union today pledged €10.6m towards the regeneration of communities affected by recent sectarian violence in North Belfast.

European Commissioner Michel Barnier, who is responsible for regional policy, confirmed the €10.6m would tackle deprivation in the Ardoyne area where loyalists clashed with nationalists over the picketing of the Holy Cross primary school.

It would also cover the Waterworks, Duncairn, New Lodge, Crumlin and St Anne’s areas - some of whom had also suffered as a result of the recent disturbances.

Mr Barnier confirmed the funding would be matched by a further €5.8m from the public sector and €968,000 from the private sector, bringing the total investment in the area to €17.75m.

The funds are being released under the European Union URBAN II Community Initiative and run until 2006.

The European Commissioner said: ‘‘The urban initiative is a creative and innovative approach to urban regeneration.

‘‘These programmes have a strong grass roots emphasis, involving local people at all stages in the decision making process.

‘‘The programme for Belfast is no exception. It mobilises a strong local partnership and I fully endorse the programme priorities of physical and social resources and of people resources.

‘‘I am confident that this programme will make a substantial contribution to urban regeneration in the Belfast area.’’

Welcoming the €17.75m package, the Northern Ireland Executive Social Development Minister, Nigel Dodds said the money would be used, ‘‘to reconstruct land and property blighted by violence and economic decline.’’

It would also be channelled into projects aimed at providing local people with the training and skills needed to secure lasting employment.

Mr Dodds, who is also the Democratic Unionist MP for North Belfast, said: ‘‘Inner North Belfast is recognised as the most deprived area in Northern Ireland.

‘‘Today’s announcement will have a positive impact on addressing the long term economic and social issues of the area.

’’It is a further recognition of the widespread problems of North Belfast as well as a reassurance to the local community that plans and programmes are being developed to rebuild both communities.’’