The International Fund for Ireland has announced financial assistance of £1.2m/€1.4m towards a range of initiatives that are designed to support peace building and reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties.  

The announcement was made following the International Fund for Ireland's recent Board meeting which took place in Londonderry/Derry.

The financial commitment includes £885,412 for the Fund’s Peace Walls Programme which was launched in January 2012. This tranche of funding will go towards an initiative in  Belfast and two in Londonderry/Derry which will deliver a range of  confidence and relationships building measures within and between interface communities, aimed at helping local residents to move to a  position where they feel it is safe and appropriate for the removal of peace walls to commence.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Adrian Johnston Chairman of the Fund, said:

“This funding is a strategic investment in communities and organisations that are working hard to secure a lasting peace. Despite progress in recent years a legacy of fear and mistrust still exists in many communities and that carries the risk of instability and violence. Tragic events in recent weeks have further underlined the critical need to support interventions that tackle  sectarianism and promote reconciliation.

“The projects we have made commitments towards are strategically aligned and working towards creating a better and more shared future for all – a future free from sectarian tension.”

He added: “Real and positive community transformation has occurred in recent years, but much more work is still required in order to deliver a truly peaceful and shared society. We are grateful for the support of our generous international donors who have helped to positively impact on the lives of very many individuals and communities throughout the island of Ireland.”

In addition to the Peace Walls Programme, the latest funding package includes:

• £100,000 for the Fund’s Community Based Economic and Social Regeneration Programme. This will enable the delivery of an innovative programme of cross-community arts and cultural activities called City Connections. It will be delivered in partnership across Belfast by: Belfast Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich in conjunction with Windsor Women’s Group and the 174 Trust.

• £130,006 in additional assistance to extend/enhance two projects in the Fund’s Community Bridges Programme.  Lurgan Youth Providers will receive support towards its Lurgan Town Project which aims to develop a strategic approach to community relations amongst young people in the deeply divided town. The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland will receive funding to extend the successful Creating Space for Learning and Sharing Project to new groups in places such as Londonderry/Derry, Magherafelt, Newtownbutler, and Ballycastle.

• £75,915/€91,098 will extend two projects supported under the Fund’s Integrating Community Organisation Programme. The North West Development Cross Border Project which is  delivered by Tyrone Derry Donegal Action, the Old Library Trust, and The Junction will deliver new activities to challenge attitudes to sectarianism, encourage active civic participation and promote greater community integration in Tyrone, Londonderry/Derry, and  Donegal.  The Rasharkin Community Association and Saturday Night at the Church Hall groups will receive support for the Youth Good Relations Initiative. In addition, Rasharkin Community Association and SNATCH are receiving support to extent their youth project until September 2013.

Since it was established in 1986 the Fund has committed £695m/€869m to a range of interventions throughout the island of Ireland. The interventions have all focused on helping Unionists and Nationalists to learn, work and live together as part of a peaceful and shared future.