HAVE YOUR SAY ON PEACE!

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is keen to hear the views and opinions of a wide cross-section of the public to help shape the Borough’s Local Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan as part of Peace IV, a unique initiative designed to support peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.

Promoted through the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and managed by Special EU Programmes Body, the council now have the opportunity to access over €6 million to develop community programmes aimed at building positive relations at a local level across the Borough.

Commenting on the initiative, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Darryn Causby said; “We are extremely excited about the potential to access this substantial amount of funding for the Borough. However, in order to access the money, the council must complete an application process, part of which entails the development of a PEACE IV Action Plan for the Borough.

The Action Plan will promote positive relations characterised by respect, where cultural diversity is celebrated and people can live, learn and socialise together, free from prejudice, hate and intolerance. I would urge anyone who is interested in helping shape their communities development to get involved in this process and let us know your thoughts on how you believe the money would be best utilised.”
To allow the council to gauge public opinion a series of consultation events will take place from 7 – 9pm at the following:

• Tuesday 26 April Old Town Hall, Banbridge
• Wednesday 27 April Craigavon Civic Centre, Craigavon
• Thursday 28 April Armagh City Hotel, Armagh

The Action Plan will be a targeted, locally based response to the needs and priorities identified in the PEACE IV Co-operation Programme under the three objectives of Building Positive Relations at Local Level, Children & Young People and Shared Spaces & Services.

Cont…….
Building Positive Relations at Local Level will address a commitment to tackling real and complex issues, such as racism and sectarianism and will embed the concept of reconciliation, with a strong emphasis on promoting cross–community relations and understanding.

The Children and Young People objective will enhance the capacity of children and young people to form positive and effective relationships with others from different backgrounds and make a positive contribution to building a cohesive society.

The Shared Spaces and Services objective will create a more connected and unified society through an increased provision of shared spaces and services.

Associated programmes of activities will be outcomes focused in terms of good relations, personal development and citizenship, which will bring about positive change in the form of clear meaningful and sustainable actions for those who participate.

To attend any of the consultation events please contact Rachael Harrison, on T: 028 4066 0605 or E: rachael.harrison@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk advising which event you would like to participate in.
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Notes to editor

• The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes – PEACE IV and INTERREG VA – which are designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.

• The PEACE IV Programme has a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contribution of €229 million and is aimed primarily at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation.

• For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu

Further media information:
Jeff Byers
T: 028 4066 0600
E: jeff.byers@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk