Image courtesy of Ireland.com
Sligo County Council Press Release (05/02/2021) – To mark the completion of the delivery of the County Sligo Local Authority PEACE IV Action Plan a video has been commissioned by Sligo County Council as Lead Partner to highlight and showcase its achievements.
Implementation of the Plan has been overseen by the Sligo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and its PEACE IV Sub Committee.
Funding for the Plan has been provided by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through the Peace IV Programme. Match funding has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.
Implementation of the Plan commenced in late 2017. During the lifetime of the Plan, five projects under the Children & Young People were delivered to 283 participants from 3 to 24 years of age. Project themes were diverse and included music, outdoor pursuits, diversity awareness, active citizenship and understanding our shared history.
Under the Building Positive Relations theme three projects were successfully delivered. Projects covered a range of distinct themes including a heritage programme, cross border literary connections and a community placemaking initiative. A Small Grant Programme under the Building Positive Relations theme supported five peace building projects developed and led by community groups. These covered a range of areas including community mediation, culture and creation of a historical archive. Two of the projects included capital elements, namely the development of the Showgrounds Outdoor Museum – home of Sligo Rovers, and a key element of the Great War Memorial Garden.
Under the Shared Spaces and Services theme the development of the shared space at Stephen Street Car Park on the banks of the River Garavogue will provide a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
The video features a range of these projects and includes interviews with stakeholders and participants.
Heather Humphreys TD, Minister of Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands in Ireland, commented
“I want to congratulate Sligo County Council and Sligo’s LCDC’s Peace IV Committee on their achievements under their EU PEACE IV funded Local Authority Action Plan, which supported wonderful projects that have truly had a real impact in the area, while also facilitating the building of new and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds. I hope that the skills gained and the friendships made are used to support the effort to build a truly shared society, one where everyone is respected and treated equally.
With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit the PEACE Programme is now, more important than ever, so I am delighted that my Department is working with the Northern Ireland Departments and the SEUPB on the development of the new PEACE PLUS Programme which will provide substantial investment in the region”
First Minister Arlene Foster said:
“This has been a really positive project in helping to build understanding of our shared history. As part of that, it’s great to see a focus on remembering all those who died in the Great War.
“I’m also pleased that there was good engagement between the residents of Sligo County Council and the Devenish Partnership Forum in Enniskillen as part of the work to build positive relations.
“I congratulate all the partners involved in delivering this project.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“This has been an excellent programme which has celebrated diversity and helped to develop positive relations on our island. It has supported hundreds of young people to develop their understanding of the past and how it has shaped our present. This is so important on our journey of peacebuilding as we work to build a shared future, together.
“I’m proud that the Executive Office has supported this PEACE IV project, and I’m delighted that members of my own constituency in Mid Ulster took part in the Literary Project. Congratulations and well done to everyone involved.”
Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB said:
“I would like to congratulate Sligo County Council on all that they have achieved through their PEACE IV Action Plan. A tremendous amount of activity has been delivered over the past three years, under each of the plans three strands. This activity has helped to bring people together, develop and nurture hundreds of children and young people, as well as create a new shared space at River Garavogue. This is reflective of the fantastic work which is taking place in all of the border counties of Ireland, and across Northern Ireland.
“This invaluable work is also promoting the benefits of living together in peaceful communities and helping to build a more confident and cohesive society, ready for the future. Local authorities, on both sides of the border, have played a key role in this and will continue to do so as we move forward into the new PEACE PLUS Programme next year,” she continued.
Councillor Dara Mulvey, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of Sligo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) said
“The County Sligo PEACE IV Local Authority Action Plan has adhered to the traditions of three previous Peace initiatives by continuing to provide investment in peace building, community relations and bridging divisions.
Dorothy Clarke Director of Services with Sligo County Council commented
“It is important to recognise the contribution of the members of the Sligo LCDC and its PEACE IV Sub Committee. Likewise the support of the SEUPB and both match funding departments is greatly appreciated.
This article appeared firstly on www.sligococo.ie