At the event, the Minister unveiled one of a series of 27 individually hand-carved stone chairs to be placed throughout the towns and villages of the Clones Erne East area, part of the £450,500 “Laying the Foundations” cross-border Project. The Clones Erne East Partnership wants to develop an “Area Identity” and, through this initiative, hope to raise awareness of the area, create a positive identity and a sense of belonging and pride for the residents, and promote the area to tourists.
At the launch, the Minister said: “I am particularly proud to be here today in my own constituency as the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, to unveil this beautifully hand carved stone chair. I am well acquainted with the excellent work that Clones Erne East Partnership has been carrying out over past few years. I am aware of the real benefits that the “Laying the Foundations” project has had at grass roots level in this cross-border area.”
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Peter McAleer, Chairman of the Partnership, commented: “This launch represents the culmination of a lot of hard work over the past few years. Carnmore has provided the ideal location to launch this memorable initiative as the symbol of progression in this historic area.”
Treasurer of the Partnership, Cllr. Thomas O’Reilly, added: “This project is just one of 12 projects developed by the Partnership over the past two years. Through this unique signage project we have developed a strong brand image that will clearly identify the area for local residents and will also enhance the tourism potential of the area.”
In addition some 30 schools in the cross-border area have been involved in creating ‘time capsules’ which have been placed inside the chairs. Each capsule contains a computer memory stick that holds essays written by the children entitled, ‘A Day in My Life, 2007’. In addition to the children’s stories, local people have also contributed items such as photographs, news articles, books about the area, and other documents of interest. It is intended that the capsules will be opened in 50 years time and provide a snapshot of life in the area in 2007.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The ‘Laying the Foundations” project represents an investment of €653,210 / £450,490, with Interreg IIIA Ireland / Northern Ireland Programme providing a contribution of €489,907/£337,867 through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in NI and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in Ireland. The project has also received funding from Fermanagh District Council, Clones Town Council and Monaghan County Council.
- The Special European Union Programme Body (SEUPB) has overall responsibility for the Interreg IIIA Programme, which is designed to support cross-border co-operation, social cohesion and economic development between the regions of the European Union. The Ireland / Northern Ireland Interreg IIIA Programme covers all of Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo.
- The Rural Development Measure (1.4) of the Interreg IIIA Programme, is managed jointly by DARD and Border Action. The Measure is worth €14M Euro and 14 different cross border partnerships have benefited. The Measure aims to promote the economic and social development of rural dwellers through integrated local area based development strategies and projects that will provide sustainable benefits on a cross-border basis.
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.
