Cross border achievements celebrated Over 50 organisations were celebrated and six special recognition awards presented at the first Daily Ireland Cross Border Achievement Awards at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Co. Cavan in March.
Bridie Sweeney, Riverbrooke Cross-Border Project - This project sprang from a ten year association between communities in Riverstown Co. Sligo and Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, driven by a mutual desire to build a relationship of understanding and trust.
Sponsored by the Special EU Programmes Body and Bank of Ireland, the awards recognised organisations and individuals who had made a valuable contribution to cross-border social and economic relationships. Guests at the event were addressed by Minister of State Brendan Smith, TD for Cavan, Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body and Sir George Quigley, Chairman of Bombardier Aerospace.
George Newell, Ballymacarret Arts & Cultural Society - Based in east Belfast, Ballymacarret Arts & Cultural Society has been pioneering programmes of social and cultural regeneration since 1996. It has developed a number of partnerships between community and youth groups and schools in east Belfast and the border counties.
Six special recognition awards were presented to: Bunscoil an Iúir - established in 1989, this Newry primary school has moved from humble beginnings to modern facilities. Over 100 pupils attend, from the Newry City, south Down, south Armagh and north Louth areas. The school has helped to create a new generation of fluent Irish speakers. Avril Crawford, Arts & Disability Forum - founder of a number of groundbreaking initiatives, the Arts & Disability Forum was established in 1993 to promote disabled people in the arts sector. The forum works closely with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and runs a gallery in Belfast, an awards scheme and a number of other projects.
Atlantic Drift - In 2003, Donegal County Council and Limavady Borough Council joined forces to launch the Atlantic Drift Cross-Border scheme, to boost the ferry connection between Magilligan in Derry and Greencastle in Donegal and improving tourism in the area. Dr. Barney Toal, Digital Media Works - this partnership between the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education and the Letterkenny Institute has created a business incubation unit to assist the development of the digital multimedia industry in the northwest. Details of the people and projects are contained in a magazine downloadable from www.dailyireland.com PEACE
INTERREG
Cross Border Achievements Celebrated... Fifty organisations were honored at the Daily Ireland awards ceremony celebrating cross border achievements. Pictured are, Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body and (left) Bridie Sweeney, Riverbrooke Cross-Border Project, Sligo and (right) George Newell, Ballymacarret Arts and Cultural Society, East Belfast.
Your EU! ISSN: 1750-6719 Published by the Special EU Programmes Body www.seupb.org To submit ideas, material and photographs for the next issue, please email
[email protected] by 10 April 2006. Special EU Programmes Body Belfast EU House, 6 Cromac Place, Belfast BT7 2JB tel: +44 (0) 28 9026 6660 Omagh EU House, 11 Kevlin Road, Omagh BT78 1LB tel: +44 (0) 28 8225 5750 Monaghan EU House, Castle Meadow Court, Dublin Road, Monaghan tel: +353 (0) 477 7003 Editorial Production Management: Dolores Vischer, DVPR
[email protected] Photography: www.michaelcooper.com Design: www.whitenoisestudios.com Print: W&G Baird
Your EU! An update on
European Unio n PEACE and INTERREG pr ogrammes Spring 2006
TALL SHIPS
Return! Nick Price on good food ■ Dentists get their
teeth into training
Plus all the latest project news!
Part-financed by the European Union
Spring Contents
Welcome
Project News
08 10 12 19 29 26 35
Creative enterprises come together PSNI and An Garda Síochána launch cross border diversity training Birthday marks Taughmonagh’s £1 million investment Taoiseach visits cross community youth project Harmony in Action teams improve community green spaces Cameras roll for Louth, Newry and Mourne Film Commission Castleregh students award The Corrs
Real Life Interviews
06
Marie helps women follow in her footsteps and return to work or education
14 22 30
John and the ‘Gate to Plate’ farm initiative IT Express supported Greg’s return to work
Welcome to the first issue of our magazine Your EU! Your EU! brings together within the one publication news of the wide range of projects that are funded by the European Union’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and INTERREG IIIA Programme. The European Union is often seen as a huge, impersonal organisation that is far removed from everyday life. The aim of this publication is to recognise the contribution EU funding is making to communities and individuals. We have spoken to dozens of individuals throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Irish Republic about their personal experiences of EU funded projects. In these pages, you will read about many wide-ranging EU funded project activities. As part of a new ‘Real Life Interview’ feature, we interviewed four individuals involved with, or whose lives have changed as a result of taking part in, an EU project or training course.
The magazine is also available to view online at www.seupb.org
Your EU! will be published four times a year. If you are involved with an exciting or successful project and would like others to read about it in these pages, then we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at
[email protected] Similarly, we need to know about forthcoming events for a new calendar list. Please complete a simple form online at www.seupb.org to register your event. We would also welcome your feedback and views on this first issue of Your EU! Please also send any suggestions you have for improving it. I hope you enjoy reading Your EU! Roger Hope Editor
Carers course helped Mae
2 Your EU! Spring 2006
Front cover photograph: Taughmonagh woman Marie McGarry helps women in her area return to work or education.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
“
FOREWORD Since their introduction, the European Union’s PEACE and INTERREG programmes have been instrumental in bringing people together to work towards improved economic and social conditions for all. Success has been based on an ethos of partnership encompassing business, the voluntary and community sectors, government and other agencies and, fundamentally, between people. These partnerships, many of which have been on a cross-border basis, have resulted in engagement, participation, consultation and trust. The European Union is a jigsaw of border areas, many of which are areas of social need. The experience and skills developed on the island of Ireland over the past number of years, particularly in relation to cross-border collaboration and the ability to work towards improving competitiveness and employment, is viewed
”
as a source of inspiration and encouragement within the EU as its newest members, particularly those in border regions, seek to overcome their own past, building better societies and economies. With the support of the EU, we have been able to work towards genuinely beneficial cross-border partnerships - a theme that sets the tone for future EU funding programmes. As we reflect on the success to date of cross-border collaboration, we recognise that there is still much to do within Northern Ireland and the border region if we are to achieve our goal - a peaceful and more economically and socially stable society where diversity is accepted as the norm.
Pat Colgan Chief Executive Special EU Programmes Body
The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. The Body was established on 2nd December 1999, under the Good Friday Agreement 1998 and the British Irish Agreement, establishing implementing bodies. The Body reports to the North/South Ministerial Council. The Special EU Programmes Body’s principal function is to act as the Managing Authority for certain European Union Structural Funds, such as the €182 million INTERREG IIIA Programme, the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE II and extension), worth over €994 million, and other community initiatives.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Spring 2006 Your EU! 3
News & Info
Communicating Europe The European Union has a major impact on the lives of its 459 million citizens. Yet opinion polls show that more and more people know little about the EU or about what it has achieved over the last 50 fifty years. s media attention has inevitably focused on differences between member states over big issues such as the future financing of the EU and the challenge of globalisation, the relevance of the EU is in danger of being
A
overlooked or, at the very least, taken for granted.
to live, work and study in other parts of Europe.
It is therefore worth restating some of the main achievements.
Working together EU countries are able to come up with solutions to shared problems such as environmental pollution or cross-border crime.
Successive enlargements have helped transform Europe underpinning democracy, stability and economic prosperity across an ever greater part of the continent.
The European Parliament will be asked to ratify the decision 4 Spring 2006 Your EU!
Another challenge is to explain why the EU continues to be relevant in the 21st century. As far as Northern Ireland is concerned, an increased awareness of and dialogue about European policies and programmes is also vital if the province is to continue to derive maximum benefit from EU membership. Eddie McVeigh
The single market has made it much easier for companies to trade and for many people
Preparing for the New In December 2005 the European Council of Ministers agreed to include a €200 million PEACE III programme in the EU budget for 2007-2013.
Yet despite the successes, there are increasing doubts about what Europe is for and where it is heading.
confidence in the EU is to press ahead with a practical agenda, including economic reform, better regulation, the creation of jobs, tackling climate change and other environmental issues.
For the European Commission, the best way of overcoming this crisis of
EU Programmes
and then refer it to the Council of Ministers. The European Commission will then make a formal announcement.
measures and priorities,” said Shaun Henry, Director, Programmes, Special EU Programmes Body.
“Given the size of the budget it is reasonable to assume that PEACE III cannot simply be a continuation of the previous
“The Irish and UK governments have asked us to complete a consultation as soon as we can following the formal
Head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland
announcement of the programmes. “The EU budget for Territorial Co-operation will fund PEACE III and the successor to the INTERREG programme. This will shape the objectives for the programmes and will provide the framework for the consultation,” Shaun said. Projects part-financed by the European Union
News & Info
Jeff Rooker welcomes new €200 million PEACE funding Northern Ireland Finance Minister, Jeff Rooker, has welcomed the new €200 million PEACE funding for the 2007-2013 period.
Northern Ireland Finance Minister, Jeff Rooker.
The funding is coming to Northern Ireland as a result of the European Council Budget Agreement. Jeff Rooker said: “The European Union PEACE funding has meant a lot to Northern Ireland and the
border region of Ireland over the last 11 years or so. It has allowed thousands of cross community projects to tackle some of the most difficult issues facing everyone in Northern Ireland as we try to build a society based on mutual trust and recognition. This further EU funding will allow this work to continue until 2013 and is very welcome indeed.
“Northern Ireland will also benefit from other mainstream EU funding programmes. Enlargement and our relative prosperity within the EU means that the level of funding will be much reduced from current levels, but it will still be of significant benefit to everyone here. We will be taking forward the development of Programmes, in consultation with stakeholders and social partners, over the coming months.”
PEACE
Interparliamentary visit to Belfast During a recent visit to Belfast, members of the British-Irish InterParliamentary Body visited projects supported by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. embers of the British-Irish InterParliamentary Body visited Belfast as part of their inquiry into Economic Deprivation in Northern Ireland.
M Pictured (l-r) are: Damien English TD; Baroness Harris of Richmond; Michael German, Member of the Welsh Assembly; Rosemary McKenna MP; John Griffiths, Member of the Welsh Assembly and Pat Colgan, Chief Executive, SEUPB.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
During their visit they met with the Special EU Programmes Body, Ligoniel Improvement Association, East Belfast Partnership and Oasis to learn more about the positive impact of European Union PEACE funding in terms of socioeconomic development.
PEACE
Spring 2006 Your EU! 5
Marie helps women follow in her footsteps and return to work
REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS
“
European Union PEACE funding over the last seven years has had a significant
impact on the Taughmonagh Community. The funding has supported a wide range of programmes including women’s training, economic development, childcare and educational development allowing
“
aspirations to develop and the opportunity for people to gain qualifications, skills and employment.
Marie McGarry, Taughmonagh.
For Marie, the availability of PEACE funding has also marked a transformation in her own life. “As a lone-parent, I know how difficult it can be to juggle looking after a child with training and/or employment,” Marie said. By attending EU PEACE funded courses Marie McGarry from Taughmonagh in South Belfast was able to gain skills, experience and qualifications. Then she applied to work on the programme and, happily, was successful. She has worked in Taughmonagh for the past three years as the Training for Women Network Project Officer providing support, advice and guidance on education and employment issues to local women. Since the project began three years ago, she and her colleagues have helped more than 120 people from Taughmonagh and Finaghy access training, qualifications and progress into employment through mentoring, study support, advocacy and provision of childcare.
“We have had great success getting people into employment,” Marie states. “Examples include young mothers who have come through the programme, found jobs and, importantly, stayed in employment - to a young women who has gone on to study radiotherapy at the University of Ulster.” Although these are just a few examples of the success of the programme there are so many other benefits to the women and the wider community: for example, encouraging the ethos of education in families and financial security through employment or gaining higher paid employment. The training on offer includes a basic computer class for women. For those people, perhaps already in part-time employment, who want to access other training, a bursary scheme has been put in place to help meet the cost of fees that would otherwise present a deterrent due to financial restraints. Underpinning the programme is the belief that community and individual empowerment is all about building confidence and self-esteem. Marie explains:
“We have worked hard to create an environment in which people can recognise their own strengths allowing the development of individual opportunities.” “The local community is fully aware of what we have on offer and isn’t afraid to access our services. As well as advice, guidance, support and training, we also help with the completion of job application forms, interview skills and signpost people in the right direction if they require further assistance through links with the Training & Employment Agency and New Deal,” Marie adds. The support the programme provides to the local women is fundamental in the progression and success the women achieve. PEACE
Main Image: Taughmonagh woman Marie McGarry helps women in her area return to work or education.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Spring 2006 Your EU! 7
Project News
CREATIVE ENTERPRISES come together A new cross-border initiative, supported by the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA programme, is bringing together people working in creative industries in east border region counties Armagh, Down, Louth and Monaghan to share their experiences and skills and provide a platform for cooperation and business growth. Known as the Creative Enterprise Office Club, the network was set up last July and is a partnership between two development agencies, Louth County Enterprise Board and Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency.
Membership of the growing Club includes poets, painters, web site designers, jewellery makers and other crafts people, multimedia and production companies’ staff, publishers and more. Daniel Phillips of Ravensdale County Louth designs and manufactures contemporary garden furniture through his business, Patio. He explains how Club membership is benefiting him: “The Club offers a range of services from formal seminars to informal networking gatherings. At these monthly events, it’s been supportive to meet and exchange ideas with other creative people
from a wide range of fields. In fact, I’m now collaborating with another Club member, Garden Designer Anne Kennedy, and together we are to create a display garden at the important Spring Home and Garden Show at Dublin’s RDS in March.” Daniel added that he found the seminar talk given by BBC Radio Ulster broadcaster Marie McStay to have been very thoughtprovoking: “She helped Club members to focus on the link of creativity that we share and to feel confident about what we are doing - that creativity counts!” Jacqui Molloy is Business Manager with Top Drawer
Productions, a recording facility and audio/visual post-production company in Jonesborough set up in 2002. The company was responsible for producing the CEO Club promotional DVD. Jacqui added: “What’s great is the chance to meet other people working in creative industries and to start generating business. On top of that it’s an opportunity to market the business - to let people know what services we can offer.” The Club launched its new member web site in January at a networking event in Armagh. For further information visit www.ceoclub.ie INTERREG
Image Above: Daniel Philips, at work from his County Louth home on the innovative sculptural garden furniture he creates, is benefiting from membership of the Creative Enterprise Office Club.
8 Your EU! Spring 2006
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Project News
CHAP arts project sustaining rural community halls A successful European Union PEACE project that promoted culture, arts and heritage on a cross community basis in rural County Armagh engaged 700 local participants. Highlight of the project for one participant, Kathy O’Hare of Mountnorris, was the creation of a mosaic mural: “We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience of CHAP. It was such a brilliant project that got the whole community to work together, and we produced a beautiful mosaic mural that everyone contributed to. It was particularly nice to watch the interaction between all members of our community from both main traditions, regardless of what age they were - CHAP catered for all of us. The mosaic has pride of place outside our community hall and it’s a great feeling to know that we made it, that we will always have it and it will be there for years to come. Projects part-financed by the European Union
I would definitely love to do more arts projects in the future as a result of being involved in CHAP.” Known as CHAP, the Rural Community Halls Arts Partnership ran over a 16-month period. It was funded by the EU’s PEACE II through the Rural Development Council and led by Regeneration of South Armagh. The project encouraged promotion of arts and culture, and also illustrated the opportunities that arts and cultural activities can provide in the sustainability of rural community halls. Groups from seven rural areas of County Armagh worked in partnership together in 74 arts workshops. In addition, seven cultural events were organised which brought in members of the wider community. Speaking about the success
of the project, Aine McCauley, Arts Co-ordinator, said: “CHAP brought new horizons to rural communities in South Armagh through an array of artistic disciplines. It provided budding artists with the facility to practise in a creative expression of their choice ranging from painting and drawing to mosaic murals and sculpture - from dance and drama to textile craft and silk painting. It also enticed those who just fancied doing ‘something different’, and more often than not it was these very people who excelled in the activity they had chosen. “As well as the training in a variety of art forms the people involved developed strong friendships with neighbouring communities who ordinarily they would not have associated with, and I think this is the most important thing of all. I believe that ‘art’ in what ever form it takes, has the neutral qualities required to provide us
with the forum to interact without prejudice. I would welcome more programmes like that of CHAP in the future.” PEACE
Kathy O’Hare of Mountnorris shows the mosaic mural she helped create at her local community hall as part of the CHAP project.
Spring 2006 Your EU! 9
Project News
PSNI and An Garda Síochána
launch cross border diversity training up the communities we serve. Diversity training is also about helping officers to recognise the policing needs of each individual whether that is by their religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, physical or mental abilities or age.”
Launching the innovative Diversity Works training programme are (l-r): Sir Hugh Orde, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland; Pat Colgan, Chief Executive, Special EU Programmes Body and Noel Conroy, Garda Commissioner.
An innovative cross-border training programme aimed at helping police officers gain a better understanding of the communities they serve was launched in Armagh on 14 February by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána. The project Diversity Works is funded through the European Union’s PEACE II Programme and endeavours to challenge officers’ perceptions and raise their awareness of diversity 10 Your EU! Spring 2006
issues. It is to comprise around 55 one-day training sessions to be held in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland this year. Training will be delivered by PSNI/Garda trainers who will be assisted by a team of expert diversity facilitators appointed from the community. Speaking at the launch, the Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde welcomed the roll-out of the training
programme. “This initiative is another positive step in building further on the existing co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána and is designed to enable officers to deliver a more effective service to every community. “Both Northern Ireland andthe Republic of Ireland are becoming more diverse societies and we as police officers must be able to understand and appreciate the different cultures that make
The An Garda Síochána Commissioner Noel Conroy said the training programme was an important step in bringing together the two organisations to work to promote diversity. Commissioner Conroy said: “The programme will develop police officers’ skills in dealing with differences, recognizing the role of group think and acknowledging the unique characteristics of policing in Ireland - North and South. “The emerging diversity of society on this island has the capacity to enrich all our communities and to showcase both jurisdictions as an example of best practice in promoting inclusion.” PEACE
Projects part-financed by the European Union
News & Info
Invitation to Brussels open days The biggest annual event on European regional policy, ‘European Week of Regions and Cities - OPEN DAYS 2006’, is taking place in Brussels between 9 and 12 October 2006.
take part this year. The theme of the week is ‘Investing in Europe’s Regions and Cities: Public and Private Partners for Growth and Jobs’. The organisers expect more than 3,000 participants to visit the 80 workshops.
The Committee of the Regions and the European Commission’s Regional Policy Directorate General organise the week. 134 partner regions and cities from 20 Member States, two candidate countries and Norway and Switzerland will
The subjects covered by the workshops will be: ■ Investing in competitive enterprises and high quality jobs. ■ Fostering regional innovation. ■ Investing in sustainable
use of resources and environmental technologies. ■ Supporting public-private partnerships for larger infrastructure projects, and, ■ Cutting red tape: Managing the Structural Funds between 2007 and 2013. For information on OPEN DAYS 2006, visit the following website http://europa.eu.int/comm /regionalpolicy/conferences /od2006
New reports published PEACE II Annual Implementation Report 2004 The fifth annual report of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland (2000 - 2004) has been prepared by the Special EU Programmes Body. PEACE II Mid-term Evaluation Update Projects part-financed by the European Union
The Mid-term Evaluation of PEACE II has been updated following its extension. A summary of the update is now available. Copies of both publications can be downloadable from http://www.seupb.org/pub peace.htm or on request from Programme Office, SEUPB, 6 Cromac Place, Belfast BT7 2JB.
New Technology Exposed Leading European technology will be on show in Newry for the E-europe4all conference on 18 and 19 May in the Canal Court Hotel. The conference will showcase the best e-technology in Europe. There will interactive demonstrations of e-health, e-business, e-commerce, e-government, and e-community. For further details, including registration, itinerary and current sponsors visit www.e-europe4all.net or contact Joanne Hughes on +44 (0)28 9039 3837; email j.hughes@ morrowcommunications. co.uk
Your EU! Spring 2006 11
Project News
Birthday marks Taughmonagh’s £1 million investment A day nursery situated in South Belfast’s Taughmonagh Estate recently celebrated its first birthday - a milestone reached thanks to the support of the European Union Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.
On hand to help with the celebrations were Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body which is the managing authority for the PEACE II programme and Jim Allister MEP, who has taken a keen interest in the estate.
The Scribbles Day Nursery, which is situated in the centre of the estate, received £244,000 from the PEACE programme and now employs nine fully qualified staff and cares for up to 39 children aged between 3 months and 4 years. The project is seen as a model example of a social economic project funded by the EU through the Belfast Local Strategy Partnership. Pat Colgan, SEUPB Chief Executive, said that Taughmonagh was an outstanding demonstration of the transition which could
be achieved through working in partnership with communities and drawing upon the expertise and support, in this case, of the Belfast Local Strategy Partnership. “Each and every day the PEACE programme is making a significant difference to the lives of thousands of people in Northern Ireland as well as in the Border region. The Taughmonagh project is just one example of how the EU’s investment has acted as a catalyst for meaningful change.” he said. PEACE
Image Above: At the first birthday celebration for the Scribbles nursery were: Jim Allister, MEP (left); Pat Colgan, Chief Executive, SEUPB (right) and three-year old Joshua Hamilton (middle).
12 Your EU! Spring 2006
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Project News
Rural Life showcased online An exciting Rural Showcase project, hosted on the innovative Culture Northern Ireland web site, reflects the richness and diversity of rural life and heritage in Northern Ireland as never before - and all in the space of a few mouse-clicks. The Rural Showcase aims to give rural locations parity with
metropolitan centres by presenting rural Northern Ireland on a hi-tech platform. The project is funded by the European Union Programme for Peace and Reconciliation through the Rural Development Council. Launched in February, the online multimedia showcase celebrates the amazing diversity
of rural life. It comprises a fascinating collection of articles, photoessays and short films showcasing rural life. More than a hundred contributors have taken part in the project, including Rathlin Co-operative Society, Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network, Regeneration of South Armagh network and the Glens of Antrim Historical Society. The
CultureNorthernIreland web site was launched one year ago to showcase Northern Ireland’s cultural assets in the international arena. It results from a partnership between the Nerve Centre in Londonderry and the Linen Hall Library in Belfast.
PEACE
Image Above: Rural life on Rathlin Island is showcased online thanks to contributions from the Rathlin Co-operative Society.
(Image reproduced courtesy of the Linen Hall Library, Belfast)
Rural Life Celebrated Celebrating the achievements of Rural Development was the theme for the first coordinated ‘Rural Life Week’ in March. The week long series of events, activities and promotions was aimed Projects part-financed by the European Union
at creating a better understanding of what rural development is all about. The focus was on communities, groups and individuals participating in the current programme who
provided true examples of the contribution local people make to the development and sustainability of rural areas. There were also opportunities to discuss shaping rural development
in the future. The week was coordinated by the Rural Development Council and the Rural Development Division of DARD. INTERREG
Spring 2006 Your EU! 13
John and the ‘Gate to Plate’ farm initiative
REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS
“
The project group is working on a range of actions that farmers can introduce
to improve the quality of the suckler herd on a family farm. In particular, we are focusing on
“
improvements in animal welfare, good farming practice, food chain safety, health and safety and business competitiveness. John Barron, Ballyshannon.
Ballyshannon farmer John Barron is one of 40 cattle farmers in the West Fermanagh, North Leitrim, North Sligo and South Donegal area participating in the Gate to Plate project. The project aims to help them sustain and improve the family farm income through improving the quality of their suckler herds. The cross border project is being run by MED Rural Development Company Ltd, and was awarded €385,000 in European Union funding through the Irish Central Border Area INTERREG IIIA Partnership (ICBAN). John has been managing his Donegal farm business for 15 years and has a herd of 40 suckler cows and their followers. He spoke to Your EU! about his involvement in ‘Gate to Plate’. Launched in September 2005, the project runs regular networking events on a cross border basis. Networking opportunities are also
made for producers to link with similar groups, breed societies, processors and retailers - further promoting the ‘gate to plate’ ideal. The project also offers participants professional mentor support on a one to one basis to help them assess and improve the farm business. John feels he is benefiting from his project involvement in a number of ways. “It is good that the project is addressing a number of issues that are not currently widely addressed, in particular animal welfare. For example, there is an accompanying small grants programme for participants: I have used the money from this to purchase rubber matting to cover the slatted floor where the cattle are housed and a new meal storage bin - small steps that improve life for the cattle and safety in the food chain.
“The project is also examining the important issue of ‘maternal traits’ in a bid to find solutions to the common problem of cows not producing enough milk to suckle their calves. We had a visiting animal breeder expert attend one of our meetings and the exchange of views and breeding tips was useful.” John said that he enjoys the exchange of views and information with the other participants at the regular networking events, and especially the exchanges with the farmers from Northern Ireland. In addition to participating in the project John acts a Mentor to a group of ten other participants.“In this role, I work alongside the farmers, exploring ways to improve their business competitiveness and assisting the project manager in addressing the needs of the participants through meetings, specialist advice and training activities,” he explained. “In particular this role gives me the opportunity to have more regular contact with and to learn INTERREG from others in the same business as me”.
Main Image: John Barron, who is participating in the ‘Gate to Plate’ project, at his Donegal farm where he keeps a suckler herd.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Spring 2006 Your EU! 15
Project News
NEW DENTAL TRAINING CENTRE in the North West A new training facility in Strabane offers dentists and dental staff from both sides of the border in the North West region opportunities to take part in professional development courses that are run locally. The centre was funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme under Measure 3.2 ‘Health and Well-being’, through Cooperation and Working Together (CAWT), the cross border health and social care partnership. The state of the art Cross Border Dental Outreach Centre opened in April last year at the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education
campus. Judi McGaffin, Director of Dental Health with the Western Health and Social Services Board, was a key player in setting up the Centre, working collaboratively with the Health Service Executive in the Republic of Ireland. Summarising the Centre’s activities Ms McGaffin said. “The Centre currently runs hands on postgraduate courses for dentists on both sides of the border and an oral health education certificate course for dental nurses on both sides of the border. “Cross border cooperation between health service providers is ongoing and we hope to introduce courses
for dental nurses who are registering with the General Dental Council. In addition, looking ahead, we would intend to run careers information days for local schools to include hands on experience.” Strabane dentist, Dr Donal McEnhill, recently completed a postgraduate short course on endodontics. He said of the new Centre: “This is a first-class training facility - a centre of excellence. “As dentists we must complete 15 hours of verifiable continuing professional development each year. It is great now that in the North-West area dentists, dental nurses, therapists, hygienists and everyone working in the
field have the opportunity for professional development courses on our door step without the need to travel to Belfast, Dublin or further afield. “I was very impressed too by the video conferencing links the Centre can offer. It is possible in the Centre to receive instruction in a specialist field by linking up with an expert in a dental school anywhere. “I congratulate Judi McGaffin and the partnership team that secured this facility for the North West,” Dr McEnhill added.
INTERREG
Image Above: Dr Andrew Bolas, Deputy Principal Oral Surgeon, HSE North Western area, gets to grips with facilities at the Cross Border Dental Outreach Centre in Strabane.
16 Your EU! Spring 2006
Projects part-financed by the European Union
small producers. We want more people to take up cheese making or growing vegetables in wind tunnels, on a small scale, for the restaurant market: it’s not always necessary to go after the mass market.”
WELCOME to GoodFood.ie A new web site www.goodfood.ie was launched in January as part of a project funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme, through the Irish Central Border Area INTERREG IIIA Partnership (ICBAN).
The web site’s creation is one of the latest initiatives of the Euro-Toques Small Food Initiative, aiming to bring chefs and restaurateurs together with small food producers from the border and cross border to encourage local sourcing of quality food.
Nick Price is head chef and proprietor of the Belfast restaurant Nick’s Warehouse where the web site launch took place. One of Euro-Toques 200 members in Ireland he said: “Euro-Toques is very happy to be involved with this initiative that is intended to encourage
Comet making connections Councils and Local Strategy Partnerships in the Belfast Metropolitan Region are continuing with their exchanges of best practice with regions throughout Europe, with funding from the European Union Peace and Reconciliation Programme for the Connect project. The Connect project aims to facilitate an exchange of know
Projects part-financed by the European Union
how and best practice on development issues such as urban regeneration and social partnerships. To date the project has included best practice exchanges with the Valencia region in Spain and the Stockholm City Region in Sweden. In April, there will be a two-way exchange between the Comet region and Vilnius in Lithuania.
The exchange with Stockholm took place last autumn and included a visit to the Comet region to see best practice in economic development and creative industries. As part of the three day visit the delegation also visited other PEACE II funded projects. Members of the Swedish entourage were extremely impressed and one delegate stated, “In Sweden,
Gearoid Lynch, Euro-Toques steering committee member and chef proprietor of the Olde Post Inn, County Cavan, pointed out the potential value of the website: “It provides chefs with information about producers in their areas and allows them to share knowledge and communicate via the discussion forum”. Image: Euro-Toques chefs Nick Price (left) and Gearoid Lynch launch the website as part of the Euro-Toques small food initiative. INTERREG
where almost half of the population is against EU membership, many people think that the EU waste money on useless subsidies to other countries. “When we visited Belfast we could see the beneficial results of EU funding and that it makes a difference and really contributes to important development”.
PEACE
Spring 2006 Your EU! 17
Project News
Sailors enjoy improvements at Kinnego Marina Paul Magee, Assistant Harbour Master at Kinnego Marina on Lough Neagh at Craigavon, is pleased to report that the recent improvements made to two jetties at the marina are proving to be a great success with the sailing community.
With part funding of €185,000 from the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme through the East Border Region Tourism Partnership, additional berths at the marina were created. The initiative is part of an EU funded €2.6 million tourism development project
being implementing to promote cross border development and co-operation.
And users find the modern jetties more accessible,” Paul Magee explained.
“Thanks to the recent investment, two older-style jetties that had a capacity of 50 berths have been replaced with modern, new and extended jetties with 10 additional berths.
Image Above: Pictured at the launch of the enhanced facilities at Kinnego marina on Lough Neagh are (l-r): Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor George Savage; Paddy Prunty, Harbour Master for Kinnego Marina; Dette Hughes, Pamela Arthurs and Jackie Crowe.
Tall ships set sail for Lough Foyle Six of the famous tall ships, along with over 100 other boats of all shapes and sizes, will set sail up Lough Foyle on 4 June, as the finale to the first Celtic European Festival of the Sea, which is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA programme. The Celtic European Festival of the Sea is supported by the INTERREG IIIA Programme through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Border Action and the Irish Central Border Area Network. It is managed by North West Rural Development.
Additional funding has been secured from the Loughs Agency and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The Celtic European Festival of the Sea celebrates the North West’s shared rich maritime heritage. It will run 22 May - 4 June, with a series of events to take place along the north coast, run by the five Council areas involved: Coleraine, Derry, Donegal, Limavady and Moyle. For further information on the Festival log onto www.maritimefestival.net INTERREG
18 Your EU! Spring 2006
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Project News
Taoiseach visits cross community youth project Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD confirmed his support for a further extension of the PEACE Programme during a visit to the Creative Crosslinks cross community youth project currently funded under the European Union’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE II).
Oasis Caring in Action (based in inner East Belfast).
T
Through the media of dance, drama, art, IT and music the project addresses issues of self-awareness, cultural
he Belfast project is a partnership between Youth Initiatives (lead partner based in West Belfast) and
Creative Crosslinks aims to help young people (aged 1420) in disadvantaged areas to develop skills, self-confidence and self-understanding and in practical terms to bridge gaps in understanding and relationships.
awareness, prejudice, leadership, citizenship and respect for diversity and brings together young people from different communities who would not normally meet each other. Doug Smith, Director of Youth Initiatives, the Creative Crosslinks project lead partner said: “We were delighted to share with the Taoiseach the work of Creative Crosslinks, which is just one example of a project
which is making a real difference in breaking down barriers and building peace and reconciliation here. “Without the PEACE II funding we would not have been able to provide these muchneeded services for young people and are hopeful that a further extension to the programme would enable us to develop and expand our services.” PEACE
Image Above: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD with Pat Colgan, SEUB Chief Executive and Doug Smith, Director of Youth Initiatives, the Creative Crosslinks project lead partner, enjoyed a creative performance of song and dance from young project participants during their visit. Projects part-financed by the European Union
Spring 2006 Your EU! 19
News & Info
Programme calls for proposals Intelligent Energy Europe The Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) programme (2000-‘06) will publish the last call for proposals in May 2006. About €55 million will be available to co-finance projects on energy efficiency, renewables, intelligent use of energy in transport and to create new local or regional energy agencies. The deadline for applications is the end of October 2006. There is a European Information Day in Brussels on 30 May and there are plans for National Information Days. Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/en ergy/intelligent/index_en.html
to European integration. They should: ■
■
■
Bring EU citizens closer together and increase their sense of ‘Europeaness’. Promote active citizen participation to discuss the future of the EU, and Create new, and strengthen existing, links between municipalities in Europe.
Total budget: €7.5 million. Grants for a project can range from €2,000 to €20,000. The next deadlines for proposals are 3 April and 1 June 2006. Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/to wntwinning/call/call_en.html
Town Twinning
e-Services
The 2006 call for proposals to promote Active European Citizenship will support citizens’ meetings in the framework of town-twinning. Meetings should aim to raise awareness of the EU and reinforce commitment
To help set up e-services in the EU, the European Commission is calling for proposals to support ‘initial deployment’ or ‘market validation’ under the eTEN programme.
20 Your EU! Spring 2006
The Commission will consider proposals for the following areas: 1. eGovernment 2. eHealth 3. eInclusion 4. eLearning 5. Trust & Security, and 6. Services supporting small and medium-sized enterprise.
Innovative Youth Projects In the framework of the Youth Programme, the European Commission has published a call for proposals for innovative cooperation, training and information projects in non-formal education.
Deadline for proposals: 19 May 2006.
Priority themes include: cultural diversity and tolerance; lessfavoured regions; innovation in EU citizenship education; and cooperation between local or regional authorities and youth NGOs. Projects must have a clear transnational dimension and must lead to new or enhanced partnerships.
Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/eten
Total budget: €2 million.
Funding of up to 50% (or 100% under the additional cost model) is available. Total budget: €45.6 million.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
News & Info Funding per project can be between €100,000 and €300,000. 10 to 15 projects will be supported. Deadline for applications: 1 July 2006. Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/you th/call/index_en.html
Ireland’s Structural Funds Allocation for 2007-2013
The European Commission is planning to provide €811 million of Structural Funds to Ireland for the 2007 to 2013 period. This is roughly in line with expectations. The breakdown of the money is: ■ €419 million for the Border, Midlands and Western region. ■ €260 million for the Southern and Eastern Region.
National Consultation on Future Structural Funds A wide-ranging consultation to identify priorities for European Union Structural Funds spending across the UK from 2007 to 2013 has been launched. A Northern Ireland chapter includes proposals for high-level priorities to improve competitiveness and employment. The consultation asks for comments on: ■ A draft ‘National Strategic Reference Framework’ for future Structural Funds Programmes in the UK Projects part-financed by the European Union
to establish the broad priorities for Structural Funds spending across the UK for the period 2007-2013. ■ The Government’s proposals for distributing the UK’s Structural Funds allocations under the new Competitiveness Objective, and ■ Future arrangements for delivery of the Funds. Structural Funds are used to reduce regional disparities and to promote regional development and employment. The priorities proposed for the UK are closely linked to those of the Lisbon
€74 million for Territorial Co-operation (€63 million for cross-border co-operation and €11 million for transnational co-operation). A further €58 million is for the PEACE programme.
■
Money for the other programmes will be spread evenly through the 7-year period. The figures are a guide to help planning and confirmation will follow approval of the Structural Funds Regulations in July.
Funding to the BMW region will start with €143 million in 2007 and drop to €13 million in the final three years.
Agenda aiming to promote jobs and growth in Europe. The Northern Ireland chapter is closely linked to the Economic Vision document launched by the Government last year and includes a strong focus on activities to support enterprise, innovation and sustainable development as well as boosting skills and employment. Welcoming the consultation, Minister of State, Jeff Rooker said: “It is important that this funding is used to maximum advantage here to increase economic prosperity and employment and we are keen to receive all views on the proposals in the document. During the consultation period
we will be actively engaging with stakeholders to seek views on what is the right strategic framework for future mainstream EU Funds spending in Northern Ireland.” The consultation ends on 22 May 2006. The consultation document and draft National Framework are available on the DTI website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/europe/n srf.html The draft Community Strategic Guidelines are available on the European Commission website at http://europa.eu.int/comm/regi onal_policy/sources/docoffic/2 007/osc/index_en.htm
Spring 2006 Your EU! 21
IT Express supported Greg’s return to work
REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS
“
Employers said they were looking for a ‘hands-on’ professional qualification,
together with work experience. At that point this was a big disappointment to me. But then I saw the IT Express course advertised. It offered the qualification known as an MCSA (Microsoft
“
Certified Systems Administrator), which is very highly sought after in the IT industry and had been mentioned at an interview I attended. Greg Hanna, East Belfast.
the course, six in-house working for the MCSA qualification and the other six on work placement. The project is funded by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, through Proteus (NI) Ltd. “The whole course was a fantastic opportunity - so well worthwhile. I can’t say enough good about it. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to work in IT. Yes, it’s hard work, but if you want a job in IT and put in the work, then IT Express equips you with the skills you need,” Greg says. Greg found that the work placement experience in particular was invaluable. “The Oasis Centre has forged very successful partnerships with placement providers - AVEC Solutions, SureSkills, BIC Systems, Belfast City Council, Castlereagh Council and BT to name a few. I was placed with SureSkills, an IT outsourcing business. Not only did I gain technical experience in the company’s Belfast office, but also got fantastic experience by working with their client BT.
Greg Hanna of East Belfast, who is employed as an IT Administrator with BT, states simply that he is “the living proof that the IT Express course works”.
“The personal development module also helped build up my confidence for interviews. It included such topics as assertiveness, self-confidence and interview techniques.
Greg had studied part-time at the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education over a four-year period for an Advanced Diploma and then a Higher National Diploma, only to find that these qualifications weren’t quite enough to secure the job he wanted in the IT field.
“In fact I wouldn’t have the job I hold today if I hadn’t done the course and got the BT work experience,” says Greg summing up. Three months after completing the course, Greg applied for the position he now holds with BT.
Greg signed up for the course almost two years ago. As a single parent with a small son, he was delighted that support in the way of crèche facilities was also available. The European Union funded IT Express project started two years ago at the Oasis Centre in East Belfast to train unemployed people in areas of computer engineering. Students spend 12 months on
Greg’s course tutor, Ronan Small, commented: “The course combination of taught modules and work placement seems to have worked and the success has been great both for the centre and students. To date, seventeen people have completed training, with four currently participating. Of those seventeen 10 - including Greg Hanna - have gained employment in the IT industry. Two have gone on to University to start computer degrees and two are currently on placement.” PEACE
Main Image: Tutor Ronan Small and the specialist IT training available at the Oasis Centre in East Belfast helped Greg Hanna secure a great job.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Spring 2006 Your EU! 23
Implementing Body News
CAWT ‘SAILS’ away with EU-wide cross border award The Europe-wide ‘Sail of Papenburg’ Award, that recognises excellence in cross border co-operation, has recently been awarded to cross border health and social care partnership Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT). The award was presented by the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) at its recent annual conference in Drama, Greece. A variety of cross border projects - 52 in total were entered for the ‘Sail of Papenburg’ award from a number of sectors including economic, social and infrastructure and culture. The judges selected CAWT as the overall winner and an innovative and effective model of how cross border co-operation can be planned and implemented. This is the fourth year the ‘Sail of Papenburg’ award has been presented and the first time that an Ireland / Northern 24 Your EU! Spring 2006
Ireland project has been recognised. It is also the first award of its kind to be presented for health and social care services. Speaking following the presentation of the award, Colm Donaghy, Director General of CAWT said, “Cross border linkages between the two jurisdictions’ health and social care sectors are well established. “Management and staff have been engaged in cross border work since 1993, mainly through cross border working groups:
“It is wonderful to have this recognition and to be able to profile CAWT as a successful model of cross border co-operation in action.” www.cawt.com PEACE
INTERREG
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Implementing Body News
ICBAN celebrates 10th Birthday! The Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) celebrated its tenth anniversary in December with a celebration of their work at Lusty Beg Island. n attendance were representatives from ICBAN’s 58 projects from across Ireland/Northern Ireland; Councillors of the ICBAN Board; special guests Mary Bunting and Joe Hayes, Joint Secretariat of the North South Ministerial Council and representatives of ICBAN’s social partners from across the voluntary, community and statutory sector.
I
ICBAN was formed back in 1995 to try and address some
of the region’s problems through a cross border approach. Since then there have been many changes, and ICBAN has changed and grown to become a dynamic, effective and successful model for cross border development. Over the last three years, the organisation has been particularly active as they were contracted to implement a large part of the INTERREG IIIA Programme. To date, they have offered funding for fifty-eight projects totalling over €21million. The projects are varied and meet the needs of many interest groups. Chairman Caillin Ellis, “We have funded project
ranging from software design programme for special needs training and educational materials, to the eco tourism Green Box initiative. We have also concentrated on traditional sectors too, and so we have the supported the 3rd level colleges in establishing Robotics Engineering Centres in Sligo and Ballymena and also funded new processing equipment which will add value to shell fish products at Errigal Fish in South Donegal. Dozens of jobs have been created and business innovation and business growth have been particularly significant”. As well as delivering an important part of the INTERREG
IIIA Programme, ICBAN also secured monies for infrastructure improvement works, on roads and harbours, and is active in policy areas such as cross border tourism and waste management. The total funds levered into the region by ICBAN over the last two years is €32 million. The most important result however, is the increased cross border working, the new relationships and a joint approach to overcoming shared problems. Coinciding with the 10th birthday celebration, ICBAN’s redeveloped website was launched. www.icban.com
Conference reviewed cross-border PEACE initiatives Over 80 representatives involved in cross-border European Union Peace and Reconciliation Programme initiatives attended a one-day conference on Wednesday 25 January. Hosted jointly by the Projects part-financed by the European Union
Community Relations Council and Special European Union Programmes Body it was the fifth of seven events intended to highlight and discuss the impact of the European Union’s
€576 million investment through the PEACE II programme. Image: Jim Dennison (Director European Programme), Duncan Morrow (Chief Executive Officer Community Relations Council) and Pat Colgan (Chief Executive SEUPB).
Spring 2006 Your EU! 25
Project News
CAMERAS ROLL, for Louth, Newry & Mourne Film Commission Launched in November last year, the new Louth, Newry & Mourne Film Commission, is making good headway in drawing production companies to the attractions of the beautiful region around Carlingford Lough, thanks to support from the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme.
with a Newry screening of the documentary planned for Saturday, 10 June.
‘14 Days in Great Britain’, a documentary made by a Los Angeles based production company at locations throughout Great Britain, was partially filmed in Newry. An exhibition of still photography from last summer’s shoot will be on display in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry for a week in June (3-10)
“At this relatively early stage of the project we are primarily focusing on strengthening the Commission’s profile throughout the industry with a range of marketing activities and building good relationships with media producers. To date, we have received over 70 enquiries, with one low budget feature film
Your EU! spoke to Mairtín de Barra, Director of the Film Commission, to find out more about the role of theCommission that is also supported by Louth County Council and Newry & Mourne District Council.
‘Fiddlers Walk’, one feature documentary, part of a new Irish Feature Film ‘In Like Flynn’, a BBC Northern Ireland documentary ‘So you thought you knew Cuchulainn’ and an Asda commercial. We are in advanced discussions with two other projects which we hope will film here in the near future. “We have put together a comprehensive package for producers with the support of local business and community. Our aim is to make it as attractive as possible for them to come and film in our region. We have compiled for their use lists of local extras, hotels, locations and more. With our own backgrounds in film and
television location management, Assistant Director Pat Nangle and I can offer support with the fine detail of filming on location. For example, we act as a single contact for all enquiries relating to Council services in Louth County Council and Newry & Mourne District Council, including road closures, parking issues, etc,” Mairtín reports. There’s little doubt that future tourism to the region can only benefit from increasing the area’s presence in television and film programmes.
INTERREG
Image Above: Shooting on location arranged by the Louth, Newry & Mourne Film Commission.
26 Your EU! Spring 2006
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Project News Annette McGarrity runs a B&B business on the main road between Auchnacloy and Ballygawley. She has already completed three courses through the programme - a refresher course in basic food hygiene, then the intermediate food hygiene, plus a food service course. “The fact that the courses were run so close by in the community centre was very appealing” she said.
CROSS BORDER TR supported in Bla AINING ckwater region Testament to its success, more than 320 local people took part in a wide range of training courses offered during the first year of the Blackwater Regional Partnership’s Human Resources and Re-skilling project funded by the European Union. The three-year cross border project provides rural people in the Dungannon, Armagh and Monaghan areas with opportunities to experience
life-long learning and develop skills, right in the heart of their own communities. It also enhances qualifications and skills levels in the border region. Funding for the project has been received from the EU’s INTEREG IIIA Programme through the Irish Central Border Area Interreg IIIA Partnership (ICBAN), with additional support form local councils. The wide choice of courses offered for the second year ranges from hill-walking and
mountain leadership, to conservation construction skills that include dry stone walling, and from hospitality management to IT business skills for SMEs. The project works in partnership with the local college and other training providers to run the courses in local community centres. After training, participants can arrange a meeting with guidance services to examine progression routes.
“Not only is the training more accessible, but being local I knew most of the other participants which made the environment more informal and friendly: it was less intimidating than going somewhere else where you don’t know the people.” In addition, Mrs McGarrity said that she picked up some useful tips for marketing her small business and on managing her finances from the business set up and advice talks given on the courses. “The course encouraged me to approach local industry and businesses to arrange special rates for their business visitors and to distribute more promotional leaflets.”
INTERREG
Image Above: Annette McGarrity and her B&B business have benefited from the training she undertook in her local community centre through the Blackwater Regional Partnership’s Human resources and Re-skilling project. Projects part-financed by the European Union
Spring 2006 Your EU! 27
Project News
Psychological legacy of ‘The Troubles’ surveyed A large-scale survey examining the long-term psychological effects of the Troubles found a considerable proportion of the population experience significant mental health problems that they attribute directly to the Troubles. The ‘Legacy of the Troubles: Mental Health and Attitudes to Reconciliation’ was a cross border collaborative research project conducted by researchers from the School of Psychology at Queen’s University
Findings from the project’s survey were revealed at a conference in Armagh last November.
Queen’s University School of Psychology Senior Lecturer Dr Orla Muldoon directed the survey. She said the results showed the Troubles did have a significant effect on some people’s lives: “One in 10 people reported posttraumatic symptoms that are suggestive of clinical Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”
3000 people from Northern Ireland and the six border counties of the Irish Republic were surveyed in 2004 for the report.
It also found that PTSD was twice as common in Northern Ireland than in the border counties: however, one in 20 respondents from
Belfast and the Department of Applied Psychology, University College Cork. The project was funded by the European Union Programme for Peace and Reconciliation through Border Action.
Caring for Carers Support for carers of people affected by mental illness has been provided thanks to funding assistance from the European Union Peace and Reconciliation Programme. Twenty-five carers and mental health professionals have benefited from specialist training and support received on an innovative pilot-project run by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT) in association with mental health family
the border counties also displayed clinical symptoms suggestive of PTSD as a result of the Troubles. “What these findings tell us is that there is a proportion of people living in Northern Ireland and the six border counties that have been traumatised by The Troubles. “The findings also show that while The Troubles have affected people in Northern Ireland and the border counties, the effect of the conflict has not been felt evenly across the population - some have suffered while others have not suffered at all,” Dr Muldoon added. PEACE
support specialists The Meriden Programme. Initially, thirteen mental health professional staff and carers participated in a ‘Training for Trainers’ course which provided them with the knowledge and skills jointly to run a carer support programme. Following on from this, two mental health professionals and two carers delivered a pilot carer support programme to twelve carers drawn from the Health Service Executive NW region. This pilot carer support programme is gradually being rolled out across the region. Read on page 31 how the programme benefited one participant, Mae Kelly. PEACE
28 Your EU! Spring 2006
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Project News
Harmony in Action Teams improve community green spaces John Stewart. “We commenced the Bay Estate green area enhancement scheme in February.” Funded under INTERREG IIIA the tri-community partnership is led by Newhaven Trust. The project’s aim is to dismantle barriers to inclusiveness by way of physical and course work that will bring mutual benefits to both communities. Shandon Park, Newry where community groups improved their local green space. Admiring the end results are (l-r): Audrey Moody, Shandon Park; Joe Coyle, managing director Newhaven Trust & Mary McArdle, Chairperson Shandon Park.
Enhanced green spaces featuring interlinked pathways are part of the Newhaven Trust’s Harmony in Action Teams (HATS II) projects in the Newry/Dundalk border area which are nearing completion, thanks to help from the European Union.
P
articipants from two communities are working Projects part-financed by the European Union
together to design and create two environmental improvement schemes. A strong working relationship was developed during the HATS I project between communities of Damolly /Shandon Park, Newry (perceived as predominantly Protestant) and the Bay Estate, Dundalk (perceived as predominantly Catholic).
“To date we have completed work on the green area north of the border at Shandon Park, providing much needed recreational and open space for the entire community to use,” commented HATS II Development Officer,
Fiona Campbell, Projects Manager with Newhaven Trust said that HATS II has been “an exciting and rewarding project to be part of. “It brings people from both a cross border and cross community perspective together to work in harmony to complete much needed facilities for their respective communities.”
INTERREG
Your EU! Spring 2006 29
Carers course helped Mae
REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS
“
The first time my son was admitted
of some sort. I enquired at the hospital to
When the course ended, we were divided into teams. I was selected to facilitate the ‘Cross-Border’ project with two ‘professional’ ladies and another ‘carer’. We delivered the pilot carer support programme to twelve carers from Sligo Town, North Sligo/South Donegal,
be told that there was nothing available.
North Leitrim, West Cavan and Fermanagh.
to hospital I knew I needed counselling
“
I nearly hit rock bottom.
Mae Kelly, Manorhamilton. Mae Kelly cares for her son who suffers from Schizophrenia. Since his diagnosis nine years ago, Mae has learnt to accept each day as it comes.
The course consisted of 11 evening sessions lasting two hours. The title of the last session was ‘Taking Care of Your Own Health’ and I gave a presentation on my recovery. It was hard to condense nine years’ experience into a few minutes. I do feel that carers benefit from talking about their experiences and there’s not much opportunity to do so. I believe that accepting my son’s illness was the start of the recovery
Here she reflects on her experience of the Caring for Carers Programme made possible by the European Union’s PEACE II funding through CAWT.
process for me. I realised that I could not live my son’s life for him I had to allow him to be ill on the one hand and to be a normal person (i.e. himself) on the other and treat him as such and give him his own space. I also realised that I could try to improve my own life in order to be a better wife and mother to my other children.
community psychiatric nurses, nurses and carers training to become
Between reading self-help books and attending a few courses recommended by our community psychiatric nurse I started to get back on track. We were blessed to have had an excellent community psychiatric nurse who spared no effort to keep our, or at least my, head above water during those bleak times. Progress was slow,
facilitators of a new ‘Caring for Carers’ course. I wondered how the
is continual and requires renewed effort.
I accepted the invitation to join the training programme with much apprehension. I was joining a group of 13 people comprising doctors,
‘playing field’ would level out, but soon found that while each person’s story and needs were different, we all had a common goal. The course was very intensive and involved a lot of reading at home in the evening in preparation for the next day’s activities. However, it was well presented and I found the language easy to understand and the enthusiasm and professionalism of each presenter really motivating.
It was gratifying to hear some of the carers say at the end of the course “at least I can talk about my loved one’s illness now and have acquired a lot of information on the illness and on the system.” It makes such a difference to the way you cope with a situation like this. I really wish I’d had the benefit of a course like this early on in my son’s illness.
PEACE
Main Image: Support for carers of people affected by mental illness has been provided through the innovative Caring for Carers training programme, funded by PEACE II and run by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT) in association with mental health family support specialists The Meriden Programme.
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Spring 2006 Your EU! 31
Project News
New bus station for Downpatrick Public transport users in the Down region are enjoying the benefits of a new bus station in Downpatrick thanks to support from the European Union. Convenience, comfort and accessibility are its hallmarks. The modern new passenger facility was purpose-built to the highest specification, with funding from PEACE II, as part of a £2 million plus investment to improve Northern Ireland’s public transport station infrastructure. The Downpatrick project also included the upgrade and refurbishment of the neighbouring bus engineering facilities. Gary Mawhinney, Translink’s District Manager in Downpatrick reports that regular passengers using the station have told him often that
“It’s great to have such modern and comfortable facilities now - a tremendous improvement on the small waiting area we had before.” 32 Spring 2006 Your EU!
Ulsterbus passengers in Downpatrick now enjoy the improved facilities in the town’s new bus station.
He said that: “Not only is the new station great for local customers, but it helps create a good impression of the town among the many visitors to Downpatrick. The 55-strong team of Ulsterbus staff based here are also pleased with their new canteen, shower area and recreation room.” He added:
“The completion of this centre marks another milestone in a programme of station refurbishments and improvement.” Fully accessible and compliant with the latest regulations on disability access, Downpatrick’s new bus centre offers covered departure stands, comfortable passenger waiting /
refreshment areas, cycle racks, public toilets and a parent-andbaby room. Low- level ticket desks and an induction loop for the hard of hearing are integral to the station and CCTV helps reinforce the safety message.
PEACE
Projects part-financed by the European Union
Project News
High-Tech visitor information Kiosks introduced Innovative visitor information kiosks, unveiled at January’s Holiday World exhibitions in Belfast and Dublin, with funding from the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme, are the brainchild of the East Border Region Tourism Partnership. The state-of-the-art, interactive Information Technology project has been developed by the innovative cross border Tourism
Partnership that comprises eight local authorities which straddle the border. The visitor information kiosks are an initiative under a four-year strategy of cross border activity to develop tourism in the region. Easy to use, the multi-media kiosks provide visitors with information on the region’s tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and more. The new kiosks are to be located at key tourist sites
and selected ports of entry including: Belfast International Airport; Belfast City Airport; Mount Stewart, Newtownards; Newcastle Tourist Information Centre (TIC); Banbridge TIC; Lough Neagh Discovery Centre; Armagh TIC; The Market House, Monaghan Town; Warrenpoint TIC; and at the Museum, Dundalk Town.
INTERREG
Visitors at Belfast International Visitors at Belfast International airport use the new interactive Airport use the new interactive information kiosks. information kiosks.
Geographical Information to support better policy-making A cross border project, supported by the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme, to help public bodies use geographical information for better policymaking and strategic planning was launched last November.
T
he Spatial Indicators Project will introduce the potential benefits of Projects part-financed by the European Union
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to government departments and state funded bodies.
European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme through the North West Region Cross Border Group.
The project is being progressed through a cross border partnership including Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland and Ordnance Survey Ireland. It has been funded initially for three years by the
The purpose of the Spatial Indicators Project is to create a local centre of excellence to encourage and assist government departments and state funded bodies in Northern Ireland and the
Border counties of the Republic of Ireland to utilise the data and applications created by the Directorate General Joint Research Council (DG JRC) of the European Community, using the MOLAND (Monitoring Land Cover/Use Dynamics) methodology. INTERREG
Spring 2006 Your EU! 33
Project News Senior public health officials on both sides of the border are working together to develop cross border plans and policies for a variety of infectious diseases and other related health protection issues.
Protecting our health
The two-year project, ‘Health protection - a new challenge’, is funded by the European Union INTERREG IIIA programme and managed by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT). Two cross border plans prepared under the project were launched recently: ■
Cross Border Plan to Deal with an Outbreak of Foodborne Illness.
■
Cross Border Plan for Legionnaires’ Disease. CAWT’S ‘Health Protection - A New Challenge’ Project Board.
The control plan to deal with an outbreak of foodborne illnesses such as salmonella and e-coli was launched at the All Island Infectious Intestinal Disease conference. Safefood, the Food Safety Promotion Board, was also involved in its development. CAWT’s ‘Health Protection’ Project Manager, Joan McCaffrey, explains: “Each of these new plans defines the roles and responsibilities of the different statutory authorities 34 Spring 2006 Your EU!
involved. Each also contains comprehensive information to enable all partners to be able to respond efficiently and effectively to a cross border outbreak of the illness or disease.”
North West Area said, “This cross border plan now provides us with greater preparedness in the event of having to mange and control an outbreak which impacts on both sides of the border.”
At the launch of the plan for Legionnaires’ disease (a form of pneumonia), Mags Moran, Infection Control Manager from the Health Service Executive
‘Don’t spread infection - it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!’ The ‘Health Protection’ project also recently launched an initiative last October to reduce
the spread of contagious diseases. Leaflets and posters in the border region urged people to: ■ Wash hands thoroughly ■ Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and ■ Avoid contact with others when ill. www.cawt.com INTERREG
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Castlereagh students award The Corrs
Two Castlereagh College students (far left and right) present band The Corrs with special awards: Grace Lambe (Multimedia Student); Sharon Corr, Andrea Corr, Jim Corr, Caroline Corr and Laura McNaught (Multimedia Student).
Two students of Castlereagh College in Belfast had a memorable evening recently when they presented wellknown band The Corrs with special awards in the UTV studios ahead of the band’s appearance on the last ever Kelly Show.
They were part of a group of students to make Corrs members beautiful specially crafted awards in their classes. The students chose the band as winners of their ‘Excellence in Entrepreneurship’ awards, in recognition of their writing and performing talents.
And all in connection with a college project funded by the European Union’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. The two lucky students were Laura McNaught and Grace Lambe.
The idea for the awards was developed through the ‘Entrepreneurship in Further Education Project’. Aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship among students, the PEACE II
Projects part-financed by the European Union
funded project is managed by Castlereagh College through Proteus (NI) Ltd. Commenting on the project Laura McNaught said: “I found it to be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. To be given the chance personally to present your work makes all the time and effort used worth it!” College students Jackie McMaster and Jill Quinn who attend the part-time Jewellerymaking classes at the College,
designed and made specially crafted pieces of unique silver jewellery for each female member of the band. The full-time BTEC National Diploma in eMedia students designed and made certificates. Grace Lambe also enjoyed the entire project and the award night. “It was good to get the opportunity to participate in a professional project and it will be good experience for my future career within the media. The project work will be included in my portfolio and I hope to show it to help me get a place in university.” Commenting on the Entrepreneurship in Further Education Project, Mark Brotherston, Castlereagh College Project Manager, said: “The project challenge is to create an environment in which entrepreneurship flourishes and entrepreneurs become future employer and employee. The future must not only focus on fostering and supporting entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland, but also on accelerating entrepreneurship in Further Education.” PEACE
Your EU! Spring 2006 35
