The visit, hosted by East Belfast Partnership, included projects on the Newtownards Road, Dee Street and Mersey Street.
The Minister also met with key community representatives and focused on work currently being undertaken by the partnership and its members. This included details of the Newtownards Road 2012 Strategy, Connswater Community Greenway Project and a local Tourism Strategy.
Following the visit Minister Ritchie said: “I commend the work of the partnership in tackling disadvantage in areas of East Belfast. I would also like to congratulate the community on their successes in delivering schemes such as the iconic landmark Connswater Community Greenway project. This project, and others, can make a real difference to the lives of the people in East Belfast as we take them forward over the coming years.”
The minister continued: “East Belfast Partnership has made a vital contribution to the local community over the past decade. The one common denominator is their commitment to genuine partnership working and it is this commitment that has led to their success. The partnership provides real benefits to local people and I am glad I have been able to provide funding to support it.”
Minister Ritchie reaffirmed her commitment to work with the East Belfast Partnership and other key stakeholders, to tackle the many issues impacting on this disadvantaged community.
Notes for Editors:
- DSD though its Belfast Regeneration Office provides core funding for East Belfast Partnership as one of five Belfast Area Partnerships charged with supporting government at a strategic level in the regeneration of Belfast. Core funding to the partnerships has been provided since 1996 and has recently been renewed until 2009 providing core annual funding of £205,000.
- A Service Level Agreement (SLA) exists with the Department for Social Development which requires the partnership to identify need at a local level and ensure that there is comprehensive and representative input into regeneration in East Belfast. In addition East Belfast Partnership can become involved in the delivery of programmes which contribute to regeneration objectives where it is clear that there is no other way of ensuring implementation to acceptable standards. Membership of the partnership is composed of representatives from the political, community and private sectors as well as statutory representation in an observer capacity.
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
