Full steam ahead for Shared Neighbourhoods

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today waved a flag for the future as he welcomed the Shared Neighbourhood steam train into Coleraine

The train, which left Belfast at lunchtime, stopped en route to pick up representatives from six Shared Neighbourhood communities from Larne to Ballymoney.

Greeting community members as the train rolled into Coleraine, Minister Alex Attwood said: “Shared Neighbourhoods are the result of good partnerships and this is evident in Coleraine today. Here we have public representatives, local people and statutory organisations all dedicated to creating and protecting inclusive neighbourhoods."

The shared journey culminated in a Shared Neighbourhood event at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus. The event enabled representatives from each of the neighbourhoods to network, share experiences and talk to people from different areas who are participating in the Shared Neighbourhood programme.

Speaking at the event, Minister Attwood said: “The Shared Neighbourhood programme was launched almost two years ago and I welcome all the representatives from the North East here today, and commend them for their enthusiasm for the programme and their generosity in sharing their experience and best practice with each other. We can all learn from them.

“A shared future in housing has been firmly at the heart of my Department’s endeavours over the last two years. Already a growing number of existing and new housing areas have agreed to share their neighbourhoods with people of different religious and cultural backgrounds.

“I remain committed to delivering housing based on need and I intend to build on the positive work of my predecessor, Margaret Ritchie, to explore new ways of creating more shared housing opportunities where it is practicable, safe and desirable.”

Frank O’Connor, Housing Executive Area Manager for the North East added: “NIHE are very committed to the Shared Neighbourhood programme. Each Shared Neighbourhood is different, with its own issues and challenges. That is why today’s shared journey is so important, as a sharing and learning experience for everyone dedicated to creating a community where people can live together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Shared Neighbourhood programme was launched by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, MLA, and Denis Rooney, CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland in August 2008, with the aim of developing 30 shared neighbourhoods over a three year period. To date, 16 neighbourhoods have already publicly declared their preference to become truly shared neighbourhoods.
2. Total costs for the programme amount to almost £1million. The International Fund for Ireland’s funding for the period of the pilot programme is £698,000. The remaining funding is being provided by the Housing Executive, who manage the programme, and the Department for Social Development.
3. Phase three, the final phase of the Shared Neighbourhood programme is due to be launched in the Autumn and will include the remaining 14 estates in the pilot programme.
4. The shared journey event was supported by Coleraine, Larne, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Antrim, Ballymoney & Moyle District Councils, and the Shared Neighbourhood groups throughout the North East area.
5. Media enquiries to Ciara McGuigan on 028 9082 9497 or 07792150486. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.