Govt gives cash boost to cross-community groups

The North's peace process was a given a cash boost today with the donation of €780,000 to 27 cross-community outreach programmes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin pledged vital funds to organisations that will break down barriers between people living in the North and Republic of Ireland and in the UK.

Community, youth, arts and interest groups have benefited from grants ranging from €1,000 to €200,000.

Mr Martin said the work of these groups plays an important role in developing capacity for people to participate in the progress that has been made in the peace process in recent years.

“This is particularly true of organisations that directly involve young people, such as Northern Ireland Children’s Enterprise and the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Foundation,” he said.

“These groups are giving young people the necessary skills to engage in reconciliation, while simultaneously developing links between communities across these islands.

“Ensuring that young people are given the opportunity to actively take part in reconciliation within and between communities is vital in building a better future for relations throughout these islands.”

The largest sum was donated to the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Co Wicklow which is one of the largest organisations working towards peace building and the promotion of reconciliation.

Inishowen Women’s Information Network in Co Donegal and the Mid-Ulster Women’s Network in Derry will share €90,000 to recruit 74 women to work in their own communities with people from all religions on projects and activities involving reconciliation.

Meanwhile the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Foundation scooped €75,000 to organise a programme aimed at developing the leadership skills of Irish and British teenagers.

This programme – to be staged in the North, the Republic of Ireland and the Warrington Peace Centre in the UK – will bring young people together to enable them to play proactive roles within and between their communities.

The grants were awarded from the Department of Foreign Affair’s Reconciliation Fund, which has donated some €24m to more than 700 groups in the last 10 years.