Urban regeneration must be seen as a tool for positive economic and social transformation, Belfast and Dublin communities were told today (Wednesday 19 September 2012).

The Connect 4 Conference, which took place at W5 at The Odyssey, shared experiences and challenges from other regions. It also outlined how policy transformation could help people and communities to work together for common needs, resources and a better future for generations to come.

The conference is part of the Connect 4 Project which is facilitated by Groundwork Northern Ireland and Northside Partnership, and is funded by the International Fund for Ireland and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Speakers at the conference identified various types of regeneration and the positive results that can be generated in the medium to long term.  The specially-focused event also set out the challenges of bringing communities, the state and the private sector together in the current economic climate and ways to optimise funding and outcomes.

Speaking at the event, International Fund for Ireland Board Member, Billy Gamble said: 

“There is a well recognised correlation between transforming urban spaces and transforming communities. Significant areas of North Belfast and North Dublin suffer from high levels of social and economic barriers relating to low quality social infrastructure and urban decay. Sadly that can often develop into high levels of unemployment, political disengagement and crime.

“The Connect 4 Conference is about identifying common denominators between the two cities and looking carefully at how policy transformation can support communities in the process of renewal and regeneration.

“The Fund is pleased to be supporting this forward-looking and much-needed initiative. It is a practical demonstration of the Fund’s strategy of promoting peace and reconciliation by enhancing community relations and promoting reconciliation and sharing.”

Mr Gamble also expressed a collective thanks to the international donors who have supported the work of the International Fund for Ireland for twenty-five years: namely, the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Sylvia Gordon, Director of Ground Work Northern Ireland said:

“The Connect 4 Project aims to build capacity and improve competencies for those involved in regeneration and peace building activities. It is about creating a new space for dialogue, study and practices which deliver benefits that improve the most disadvantaged communities and change the status quo.”

Odran Reid Strategy Development Manager at Northside Partnership said the lack of financial resources should not deter people from thinking about regeneration:

“The eradication of poverty and unemployment will only happen with an increase in economic activity.  Creating employment is difficult, in normal circumstances, but is much more difficult in a climate of both economic uncertainty and social unrest.  These circumstances are not conducive to get investors or the public sector to invest money or time into poor and troublesome areas.

“There are many parts of our urban areas that need attention.  Those who know what is required most are the people who live in these areas. Often they do not know what is possible and what they can look for.  It is essential to put skilled people into work with them and assist them to develop a strong coherent and realistic plan for their area, that they can own, and which will attract support from investors and the local authority.  Investors need certainty, government need certainty. But above all people and communities need certainty, peace and hope.”

Speakers at the Connect 4 Conference included Nelson McCausland MLA, Minister for Social Development Professor Frank Gaffikin, Queen’s University Belfast; Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party; Dr Duncan Morrow and Dr Jonny Byrne, University of Ulster; and Paraic Fallon, Dublin City Council.

The Connect 4 Project aims to aims to facilitate collaboration around four shared themes including regeneration and peace building; youth engagement and youth leadership; community activism and advocacy; and community safety and practice.

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