Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News - Building Peace Locally

26 November 2010

A local launch of the Rural Enabler Programme is planned for County Donegal on Wednesday 1 December 2010 at 10.45am in Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar, Ballybofey.

The programme, funded at £2.7 million, is a unique twelve county approach to supporting rural communities at a local level to identify and tackle sectarianism and racism issues within local communities. The work is supported at a regional level by Irish Rural Link (IRL), the Department of Community, Equality & Rural Affairs (DCE&RA), the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD). The Programme is funded under PEACE III through the Special EU Programmes Body.

Nell Cutliffe, Rural Enabler for Co Donegal, told us 'The launch of the Rural Enabler Programme will be an opportunity to inform communities how we, as Enablers, can support communities on the ground and inform people about our development grant scheme, up to €2,000 per project.’

'The event will include an overview of the programme with keynote speaker, Cllr Dessie Larkin, Chair of the PEACE III Partnership, County Donegal. Following this there will be a question and answer session to ensure that all attendees fully understand the programme and attendees can raise the possibility of some projects that they already envisage.’

Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of RCN, said 'The launch presents opportunities for rural communities across the county to develop their skills in addressing the very real issues of sectarianism and racism which continue to limit the development of our rural areas.’ Michael continued 'With ongoing assistance from Nell, the Rural Enabler Programme provides new opportunities for rural communities to deal with past division and create a new inclusive society which is welcoming and encourages everyone to participate, contribute and benefit.’

To confirm your place or for further information, contact Nell on 087 627 4716 or email: nell@ruralcommunitynetwork.com

Community Relations Council

Building Peace Locally - Co Donegal