Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases

04 October 2006

More needs to be done to support those wishing to live in mixed communities, where Protestants, Catholics and ethnic minorities live together in relative harmony. This is one of the conclusions of a research report published today by the Institute for Conflict Research with the support of the Community Relations Council, funded under the European Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.

Press Release

4 October 2006

Shared Living and Mixed Areas

The research, entitled 'Shared Living- mixed residential communities in Northern Ireland' by Jonny Byrne, Ulf Hansson and John Bell, noted that government had committed itself to the policy 'A Shared Future' and government departments had produced Triennial Action Plans but that a more planned, joined up and comprehensive approach is required on the issue of shared living.

Despite the high levels of residential segregation in Northern Ireland and the long history of conflict and violence many people continue to express a preference for living in mixed communities. Three sample mixed areas were selected for study by the researchers in order to help understand and sustain greater levels of sharing and integration. The areas chosen were Ballynafeigh (South Belfast), Areema (Lisburn) and Rathfriland (Co.Down).

The researchers noted that the development of shared living must incorporate the creation of shared space, which provides opportunity for people of different community backgrounds, including new residents, to meet and develop relationships. The report also recommended a special focus on programmes and initiatives that develop and sustain relationships between young people from different ethnic and community backgrounds.

A key role in encouraging mixing and fostering cross-community relationships is played by local organisations, such as the Ballynafeigh Community Development Association, which plan social, economic and leisure activities. The researchers also recommended that community relations and mediation training be provided to local community groups as a support in dealing with contentious issues such as cultural symbols, flags and band parades.

Commenting on the research Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said:

'The obstacle to people living together peaceably is not that people do not wish it. The problem is that we have never been able to make it safe in too many places. The critical task is to get this issue on the agenda and devise the policies to match.'

The full report is available in printed form from the Institute for Conflict Research and from the Institute's website www.conflictresearch.org.uk

For further information

contact

Ray Mullan at CRC, tel 90-227500 or 07753 724484

or Neil Jarman, Director of the Institute for Conflict Research,

tel 07753 724484