Menu
31/05/2002
Beyond EU Peace II debate begins on funding
The long term value of European aid to community projects in Northern Ireland will only be as good as the quality of the schemes themselves, the Minister of Finance & Personnel, Dr Seán Farren, told an audience in Belfast today.
Dr Farren was addressing the opening conference of a Standing Community Convention on the PEACE II Programme where he reminded delegates of the true scope and purpose of this EU funding package, which he said could be the last of its kind.
The Minister said: "It is vital that as we move forward with the implementation of PEACE II that we look beyond it to what we must do to retain and enhance the good work begun under the PEACE packages.
"We are all only too acutely aware that with the proposed expansion of the European Union, and the transition of Northern Ireland from Objective 1 status, that there is a real possibility that this could be the last contribution from Europe, at least in the forms familiar to us.
"We welcome this support and the Executive will continue to do everything it can to secure further help from Brussels.
"It is important to remember that PEACE II is designed to be a ‘hand-up’, rather than a ‘hand-out’ and it is up to all of us to play our part in ensuring that we use these funds wisely to secure maximum and continuing benefits – beyond the life of the current Structural Funds Programmes."
The Minister pointed out that sustainability is one of the fundamental principles underlying the PEACE II Programme.
He said, although there was not yet a full definition of sustainability, the debate was a vital one for the whole of Northern Ireland.
(SP)
Dr Farren was addressing the opening conference of a Standing Community Convention on the PEACE II Programme where he reminded delegates of the true scope and purpose of this EU funding package, which he said could be the last of its kind.
The Minister said: "It is vital that as we move forward with the implementation of PEACE II that we look beyond it to what we must do to retain and enhance the good work begun under the PEACE packages.
"We are all only too acutely aware that with the proposed expansion of the European Union, and the transition of Northern Ireland from Objective 1 status, that there is a real possibility that this could be the last contribution from Europe, at least in the forms familiar to us.
"We welcome this support and the Executive will continue to do everything it can to secure further help from Brussels.
"It is important to remember that PEACE II is designed to be a ‘hand-up’, rather than a ‘hand-out’ and it is up to all of us to play our part in ensuring that we use these funds wisely to secure maximum and continuing benefits – beyond the life of the current Structural Funds Programmes."
The Minister pointed out that sustainability is one of the fundamental principles underlying the PEACE II Programme.
He said, although there was not yet a full definition of sustainability, the debate was a vital one for the whole of Northern Ireland.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 June 2011
Dodds Calls For Further Peace Fund Payments
European Minister Diane Dodds has called for a continuation of Northern Ireland's peace fund during a special hearing in Brussels into special EU programmes. The Peace III Programme, worth some €333 million to Northern Ireland and the border counties, is due to end in 2013.
Dodds Calls For Further Peace Fund Payments
European Minister Diane Dodds has called for a continuation of Northern Ireland's peace fund during a special hearing in Brussels into special EU programmes. The Peace III Programme, worth some €333 million to Northern Ireland and the border counties, is due to end in 2013.
12 January 2009
Peace People Return To Belfast
A veteran of many 'peace' rallies in the 1970s - Mairead Corrigan Maguire - one of the original anti-NI Troubles 'Peace People', has addressed a large Belfast crowd to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. She was speaking at the weekend when the City Hall demonstration was held against the Israeli attack on the Gaza area.
Peace People Return To Belfast
A veteran of many 'peace' rallies in the 1970s - Mairead Corrigan Maguire - one of the original anti-NI Troubles 'Peace People', has addressed a large Belfast crowd to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. She was speaking at the weekend when the City Hall demonstration was held against the Israeli attack on the Gaza area.
31 January 2002
John Hume honoured with Ghandi Peace Prize
Former leader of the SDLP and Nobel Laureate John Hume will be honoured in India with the Ghandi Peace Prize.
John Hume honoured with Ghandi Peace Prize
Former leader of the SDLP and Nobel Laureate John Hume will be honoured in India with the Ghandi Peace Prize.
13 May 2008
Mitchell Praises Paisley
The man widely billed as the architect of the NI Peace process, Senator George Mitchell has praised the outgoing First Minister as he prepared to step down from the Northern Ireland Executive early next month.
Mitchell Praises Paisley
The man widely billed as the architect of the NI Peace process, Senator George Mitchell has praised the outgoing First Minister as he prepared to step down from the Northern Ireland Executive early next month.
07 June 2005
Applications sought for £5m from Peace funding
European funding worth £5 million has been made available to generate new businesses and jobs in deprived areas of Northern Ireland.
Applications sought for £5m from Peace funding
European funding worth £5 million has been made available to generate new businesses and jobs in deprived areas of Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
