Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - Services - Community Relations Groups

Contact: Catrina Galle

5 Weavers Court Business Park
Linfield Road

Tel: 028 9032 1462

Status of organisation:

Number of staff:

Aims and Objectives

Co-operation Ireland is the leading peace-building charity working in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It works with groups from all religious and cultural communities to build vibrant societies based on the principles of respect for diversity and peace and reconciliation.

Co-operation Ireland was established in 1979 and since then, there has been a dramatic change at political level in Northern Ireland but still many people still live in a divided society, separated by barriers both physical and psychological. However for society to progress fully, political change must be supported by change at community level. Co-operation Ireland facilitates this change by enabling communities to participate in a variety of mutually beneficial cross-community and cross-border programmes.

Co-operation Ireland works in the areas of education and citizenship, youth and community development, economic development, media, research and policy governance, EU funding and North/South policy. It also delivers world-class corporate and public fundraising events around the globe.

Co-operation Ireland is known for its innovative peace and reconciliation programmes, working in every county in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. Co-operation Ireland also shares its experience and knowledge with other organisations working in conflict areas around the world.

As a non-political organisation, Co-operation Ireland works with groups and organisations from all sections of society in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Co-operation Ireland’s mission is:

"To advance mutual understanding and respect by promoting practical co-operation between the people of Northern Ireland and of the Republic of Ireland."

Co-operation Ireland works with:
Youth and Community Groups, Schools, Local Authorities, the Media, Economic Development Agencies, Businesses and Training organisations, Statutory Organisations and Governments.

Projects and Activities

Co-operation Ireland has also administered a number of cross-border elements of EU Funding Programmes, namely the European Union’s Peace and Reconciliation Programme and the Interreg IIIA Programme.

Co-operation Ireland is heading up a project known as the Irish Peace Centres along with the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, the Donegal Peace Centre at An Teach Ban and The Corrymeela Community. Funded under the EU Peace III Programme, the project aims to cultivate and sustain positive relationships between people living in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Co-operation Ireland currently administers the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme on behalf of the Department for Social Development.

Co-operation Ireland has a department dedicated to research that influences policy makers in both parts of the island.