Under the International Fund for Ireland’s Community Bridges Programme, funding of over EUR479,623 (STG328,509) has been allocated to the Donegal Youth Service / Tyrone Donegal Partnership.  The funding will be deployed to develop cross border and cross community links between youth organisations in the Strabane/Lifford area, who traditionally have not engaged in meaningful cross border activities due to fear and distrust.

This youth development project will target over 450 'at risk' young people between the ages of 18 and 25.  The project will focus on capacity building to develop all participants’ self esteem, self-awareness and confidence. Activities will include team building, small group activities and discussions, various interactive group exercises and leadership projects.

Through its Community Based Economic and Social Regeneration Programme, the Fund has also announced funding of EUR295,910 (STG202,678) for Comhlacht Togra Rann na Feirste Teo, Co. Donegal.  This cross community company plans to develop a heritage, education and resource centre in the local West Donegal area.  This development will play an important part in ensuring that the long-standing ethos of cultural and heritage associated with Rann na Feirste, the area where the purest Ulster Irish is spoken, is protected and preserved, while creating employment and providing many economic and social benefits to the community at large.

Speaking at the International Fund for Ireland’s Board meeting in Derry last week, Fund Chairman Denis Rooney said: "This latest funding announcement is a clear demonstration of the Fund’s commitment to supporting innovative, ground breaking projects which can potentially deliver real and lasting change in the way in which we live in Northern Ireland and the border counties.

"All of the initiatives we have agreed to support today are focused on building a sustainable and lasting peace in our society.  We regard all of these projects as meaningful steps on the road to ensuring that this generation and the next can live, work and learn together."