The International Fund for Ireland today launched its Community Bridges Programme with the announcement of EUR13 million (STG9 million) being made available to encourage community relations, reconciliation and cross border activities over the next 3 years.The Community Bridges Programme was established by the International Fund for Ireland in 1996 to build on the community relations, reconciliation and cross-border ethos of the Fund, with an emphasis on helping communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties to use innovative and ground breaking community projects to address issues of difference and division. The Community Relations Council manages the Community Bridges Programme on behalf of the Fund.Launching the Community Bridges Programme, Deirdre Ryan, board member, International Fund for Ireland, said: “Much has been achieved by the International Fund for Ireland over recent years, particularly by the Community Bridges Programme. That said, divisions remain within and between our communities which must be addressed. The allocation of EUR13 million under the Community Bridges Programme is a very clear indication of the commitment of the IFI to achieving lasting and sustainable peace on this island.”The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, TD, attending the event, welcomed the announcement by the International Fund for Ireland. The Minister said: “Against a backdrop of significant economic progress in Northern Ireland and the border counties, IFI is adapting to meet the challenges ahead. Reconciliation and cross-border links are recognized as major priorities and I'm pleased to see that the Fund is addressing these through its Community Bridges Programme.”
Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive, Community Relations Council, said: “We have reached a critical point in the journey from violent conflict to a peaceful future. Much has changed, but there is still a distance to travel. Above all, the challenge is to move from managing our conflict to transforming our relationships. This means embracing partnership rather than polarisation and moving from a divided society to a shared future for everyone.
“There is no magic formula for community relations work but it is clear that at its heart must be attempts to build partnership and trust on key issues which engage the whole community. Today’s launch event also provides an opportunity to showcase some of the steps already being taken by a wide range of organisations and to signpost some of the issues which still need new answers on the path towards a shared future.”
Organisations which have benefited from the Community Relations Programme to date have included the New Border Generation group based in Carlingford, Co. Louth and the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust from Co. Fermanagh. The work of New Border Generation has included the establishment of a Cross Border Network for Community Organisations engaged in Peace Initiatives and Cross Border Community Development. The Spirit of Enniskillen Trust was inspired by the late Senator, Gordon Wilson, following the 1987 Enniskillen bombing, to support young people into making their own leadership contributions towards dialogue and change in Northern Ireland’s society. Both groups made presentations at today’s launch.
Applications for funding from interested parties are now available from the Community Relations Council, www.nicrc.org.uk
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