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14 December 2005

The Community Relations Council is pleased to announce its decisions on the award of £3.6 million of grants under the EU Peace II extension programme.

Press Release

13 December 05

New Boost for Reconciliation

The Community Relations Council is pleased to announce its decisions on the award of £3.6 million of grants under the EU Peace II extension programme. 27 organisations will today be receiving the good news of their successful applications under measure 2.1 of the European Peace Programme the primary focus of which is to promote 'reconciliation towards a sustainable peace'.

Announcing the Council's awards Dr Duncan Morrow, CRC's Chief Executive, said,

'We are delighted to be able to provide additional EU resources to support reconciliation work in Northern Ireland. The quality of projects submitted for consideration was exceptionally high and many worthy projects have had to be rejected because funds were insufficient to meet demand.' 

There were 125 applications worth £19 million for awards from a fund of under £4 million (£3.6 million).

Dr Morrow added,

'International initiatives, such as PEACE II, have been critical elements in maintaining momentum towards reconciliation, especially against a background of real political difficulties.  The enormous improvement in the range and depth of work being done in community relations now means that resources are insufficient to meet need.  If a Shared Future is to become a reality, more resources will have to be directed towards initiatives which promote sharing rather than segregation.  While a new EU Peace III programme would be very welcome, resources should increasingly come from ensuring that existing public spending promotes better community relations and social cohesion.'

A list of the successful applications is attached to this press release.

For further information contact

Ray Mullan at 90-227500 or email rmullan@nicrc.org.uk

Note to Editors:

• A formal review process is operated by the Community Relations Council for unsuccessful applicants. Information on this will have been included in the official notification received by applicants.

• A launch of the 27 successful projects will take place in the New Year.

• The government publication A Shared Future- Policy and Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland was published in March 2005 and is available at www.asharedfutureni.gov.uk

Successful applications to the Community Relations Council under the

EU Peace II Extension Programme (measure 2.1):

 Church/Faith Based

 

Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland

Edgehill Theological College

Irish School of Ecumenics

The Link Family & Community Centre

Youth Link NI

CR Work with Women and/or Young People

 

Downtown Women's Group

North West Play Resource Centre (The Playhouse)

The 1825 Project

Youth Action

Youth Initiatives

Cultural Diversity Programmes

 

Ballynafeigh Community Development Association

Gaslight Productions

Mediation Northern Ireland

REACT

Ulster People's College

Interface Work

 

Belfast Interface Project

Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum

LINC Resource Centre

PeaceBuildingin Rural Communities

 

Crossfire Trust

Resource Development

 

The Junction: Towards Understanding & Healing

Westway Film Productions/Channel 4

Training

 

Armagh College

Peace and Reconciliation Group

Shankill Stress & Trauma Group

Understanding Conflict Trust

Other

Irish Football Association

St Columbs Park House