Working together is making a difference - Ritchie tells local communities

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie believes that Neighbourhood Renewal is making a real difference to communities across Northern Ireland.

The Minister spoke as she hosted a reception at Parliament Buildings for representatives of the 36 Neighbourhood Partnerships from across Northern Ireland. She commented: “"Since the launch of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy in 2003, we have made considerable strides towards making the Neighbourhood Renewal vision of a better life a reality for many people. Over 280,000 people live in the targeted areas and we need to make sure that they have access to the best possible services and life opportunities.

“Much is being achieved. The Partnerships have worked hard to develop action plans which set out the regeneration priorities for their neighbourhoods. However, real sustainable improvements will only come if Government and the community work in partnership. The plans developed will pose challenges to the way public services are delivered and it is up to Government Departments and statutory bodies to listen and respond.”

The Minister also revealed that the Department for Social Development had invested nearly £45million in Neighbourhood Renewal areas across Northern Ireland in the past two years. This is in addition to the considerable investment that has also been made by other Government Departments.

Minister Ritchie continued: “Neighbourhood Renewal is about more than money, it must focus on the outcomes. The short term approach of the past has to change if we are to make the necessary improvements on the ground.”

Welcoming the efforts and commitment of the Partnerships, the Minister added: “The Chairs and members of these Partnerships have taken responsibility for their areas. I believe with their input Neighbourhood Renewal can achieve positive change to the lives of the people living in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and Place' can be obtained from the DSD website - www.dsdni.gov.uk

2. The strategic aims of the strategy are to:

• develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas;
• develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider economy;
• improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments; and
• help create attractive, safe, sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

3. Neighbourhood Renewal Areas have been created around the urban areas shown in the official deprivation measures to be among the most disadvantaged 10% of areas in Northern Ireland.

4. The 36 areas identified include 15 in Belfast, 6 in North West and 15 in other towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

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