Wilson commends cross-community work in North Belfast

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, visited North Belfast to view regeneration work at a local interface.

The work, being undertaken at Alexandra Park, is being taken forward by Groundwork Northern Ireland, assisted by almost £1million of European PEACE III funding.

The Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration Project, gives local community and statutory agencies the support needed to reduce sectarian attitudes in the interface area and cut the number of peace walls, murals, flags and painted kerb stones.

The Minister said: “As Finance Minister, I am responsible for the European Union’s PEACE III Programme in Northern Ireland. Beneficiaries of PEACE III funding, such as Groundwork NI, are engaged in vital work in many interface areas.

“I was able to witness at first hand how people from different communities are working together to create a shared space that can be enjoyed by all, irrespective of their background.

“In helping to regenerate Alexandra Park, people living within the Tiger's Bay and Newington Parkside area of North Belfast are challenging some of the root causes of sectarianism and in doing so, are improving the quality of life for themselves and future generations.

“This project allows local communities to have a real say in the future of their areas. Groundwork NI has ensured that residents in this part of the city have been fully involved in shaping the future of their own community.

“The project is also designed to ensure that the momentum of cross-community engagement will continue long after its completion, ensuring that lasting benefits will outlive the PEACE III Programme.”

Sylvia Gordon, Director of Groundwork NI commented: "We are very grateful for all of the support and financial assistance we have received in helping this project to become a reality. Designed to transform specific areas that have been badly affected by conflict, the Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration project will help reduce or eliminate symbols of sectarian aggression. This is key if we are to support a culture of mutual respect and tolerance."

Notes to editors:

1. Groundwork NI is a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with some of Northern Ireland’s most marginalised communities. Established in 1991, they have 17 years' experience in planning, developing and delivering community-based environmental regeneration projects.
2. The visit took place at 2.00pm in Groundwork NI’s Belfast office at Duncairn Gardens and included a tour of Alexandra Park, one of 10 areas in which the project will operate.
3. The 2007-13 EU PEACE III Programme will deliver €333million to projects with a focus on peace and reconciliation throughout Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.
4. Two Groundwork NI projects have been successful in securing funding under the PEACE III Programme:
   Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration was awarded £988,307 under Theme 1.1, Building Positive Relations at the Local Level; and Democratising Governance in Transition was awarded £443,786 under Theme 2.2, Key Institutional Capacities are Developed for a Shared Society.
5. Further details on the PEACE III Programme may be obtained from the Programme Managing Authority, the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) website
6. All media queries should be directed to the Department of Finance and Personnel Press Office on 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.