Minister supports innovative approach to Community Development

McEnvironment Minister Edwin Poots today hailed an innovative project which allows residents to become involved in the future design of their own village.

He was speaking at the end of a three-day "Enquiry by Design" workshop which gave the people of Glenarm an opportunity to help shape the community in which they live, work and play.

The project has been led by Larne Borough Council and the workshop, facilitated by the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, allowed residents, businesses and all other stakeholders a chance to debate and to develop a regeneration master plan for their village.

In rounding up the three-day event, Minister Poots said: “Glenarm has the potential to blaze a trail in Northern Ireland. This project is the first of its type here, and I believe it will be valuable in providing an example of effective engagement with a sense of openness and transparency. I welcome that we were in a position to offer financial support to the Larne Borough Council to help it take forward this initiative.”

Minister Poots added: "Prince Charles visited Glenarm in February 2009 and witnessed its great potential. Therefore my Department was keen to explore ways in which we could use the skills and collaborative approach of the Prince’s Foundation."

Hank Dittnar, Chief Executive of The Prince's Foundation said: “We have been delighted to continue to work in partnership with the Minister, the Council and the people of Glenarm, to forge a way forward toward the creation of a masterplan for a sustainable future for Glenarm.”

Commenting on the progress of the project deputy Mayor of Larne, Cllr Gregg McKeen said: “I am delighted to hear of the high level of involvement by everyone who has a stake in the future of Glenarm Village and I look forward to seeing the final design.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Prince of Wales visited Glenarm in March 2009.

2. DOE has committed to provide up to £25,000 to assist Larne Borough Council with the costs associated with the preparation of a Regeneration Masterplan for Glenarm using a technique called ‘Enquiry by Design’ (EBD).

3. This process is facilitated by the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment (PFBE).

4. The workshop ran from Tuesday 16 February to Thursday 18 February 2010.

5. The main purpose of the EBD workshop is to engage the local community and all other stakeholders in an inclusive debate to develop a regeneration master plan for the village.

6. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.