Menu
21/05/2007
£1million funding invested in 'community capacity building'
Over £1million is being invested in ‘community capacity building’ in North Belfast, during the next two years, as part of an EU initiative called Urban II, aimed at fast tracking community development, it was announced today.
The North Belfast Partnership will deliver the funding across three programmes in North Belfast focusing on the promotion of social and economic regeneration. The community based projects - the first of its kind to receive EU funding in Northern Ireland - will seek to improve community transport, ICT literacy and youth services in the inner city area.
The initiatives will be delivered by six Community Empowerment Partnerships and forms part of an ambitious vision to transform North Belfast into a ‘vibrant and safe’ community. The funded initiatives will be showcased at a major event to be hosted at the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action in North Belfast later this month.
“The European Union funding will help improve the overall living standards of those most affected by poverty within North Belfast,” says Murdo Murray, Chief Executive of North Belfast Partnership. “By working collaboratively with the government and across the community a sustained approach can be made to tackle deep rooted problems.”
The funding comes on the back of an audit in North Belfast which had identified barriers to employment and learning such as serious shortfalls in the provision of adequate transport networks, ICT resources and facilities for young people aged 5-25 who make up a quarter of North Belfast’s population.
A key architect of an influential report which provided a range of recommendations to government on tackling multiple deprivation in North Belfast, including the establishment of a network of Community Empowerment Partnerships, Rev Dr John Dunlop said: “This initiative from the North Belfast Partnership helps to overcome the long standing isolation of communities as well as conflict and suspicion between communities which in the past have wasted and weakened the potential for constructive change.”
The most recent statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics Research Agency indicate that sixty per cent of the North Belfast parliamentary constituency population are living in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland.
(JM/KMcA)
The North Belfast Partnership will deliver the funding across three programmes in North Belfast focusing on the promotion of social and economic regeneration. The community based projects - the first of its kind to receive EU funding in Northern Ireland - will seek to improve community transport, ICT literacy and youth services in the inner city area.
The initiatives will be delivered by six Community Empowerment Partnerships and forms part of an ambitious vision to transform North Belfast into a ‘vibrant and safe’ community. The funded initiatives will be showcased at a major event to be hosted at the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action in North Belfast later this month.
“The European Union funding will help improve the overall living standards of those most affected by poverty within North Belfast,” says Murdo Murray, Chief Executive of North Belfast Partnership. “By working collaboratively with the government and across the community a sustained approach can be made to tackle deep rooted problems.”
The funding comes on the back of an audit in North Belfast which had identified barriers to employment and learning such as serious shortfalls in the provision of adequate transport networks, ICT resources and facilities for young people aged 5-25 who make up a quarter of North Belfast’s population.
A key architect of an influential report which provided a range of recommendations to government on tackling multiple deprivation in North Belfast, including the establishment of a network of Community Empowerment Partnerships, Rev Dr John Dunlop said: “This initiative from the North Belfast Partnership helps to overcome the long standing isolation of communities as well as conflict and suspicion between communities which in the past have wasted and weakened the potential for constructive change.”
The most recent statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics Research Agency indicate that sixty per cent of the North Belfast parliamentary constituency population are living in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
13 November 2002
£3m announced for north Belfast community groups
A £3 million funding package aimed at developing communities in north Belfast to encourage dialogue and partnership has been announced by the NIO today.
£3m announced for north Belfast community groups
A £3 million funding package aimed at developing communities in north Belfast to encourage dialogue and partnership has been announced by the NIO today.
30 May 2007
Ritchie says regeneration is 'more than bricks and mortar'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has urged communities in North Belfast to grasp the opportunity to create a legacy of community renewal from EU funded initiatives.
Ritchie says regeneration is 'more than bricks and mortar'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has urged communities in North Belfast to grasp the opportunity to create a legacy of community renewal from EU funded initiatives.
22 March 2013
Project To Tackle Interfaces In North Belfast Welcomed
Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed a £471,000 project to tackle interfaces in North Belfast. Led by the Duncairn Community Partnership and funded by the International Fund for Ireland the project will work to create the community confidence needed to bring down the barriers of division.
Project To Tackle Interfaces In North Belfast Welcomed
Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed a £471,000 project to tackle interfaces in North Belfast. Led by the Duncairn Community Partnership and funded by the International Fund for Ireland the project will work to create the community confidence needed to bring down the barriers of division.
15 August 2002
Focus shifts to peace conference and community projects
After weeks of paramilitary violence and civil unrest the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) is refocusing its efforts on the benefits of the current peace process.
Focus shifts to peace conference and community projects
After weeks of paramilitary violence and civil unrest the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) is refocusing its efforts on the benefits of the current peace process.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
