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£1.1 Million Community and Enterprise Center officially opened in Lisburn
25/04/08
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Carlingford Conference Shares Experiences in Peace
and Reconciliation
25/04/08
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The International Fund for Ireland, Tuath, and Border Action celebrate the achievements of the Donegal Centres for
Learning Project
25/04/08
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50 Jobs created in new Monkstown village centre
16/04/08
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Iconic restored building officially opens its doors in Newcastle
11/04/08
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Minister Gildernew officially opens Maxwell's Courtyard redevelopment
09/04/08
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New £773,000 culture and business centre opens en Castlewellan
04/04/08
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25th April
At the official opening of LaganView Enterprise Centre today were (L-R) Joanne Mackey, LaganView Centre Manager; Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland; Mr Noel Lavery, Deputy Secretary DETI; Mr Stephen Graham, South Eastern Area Manager Housing Executive; Cllr James Tinsley, Mayor of Lisburn City Council.
The £1.1 million centre is situated in the Old Warren Estate in the outskirts of Lisburn. It comprises 3 workshop units, 6 retail office units, an IT suite, a large community hall and a multi-purpose training room.
LaganView Enterprise Centre was officially opened today (Friday 25th April) by Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Alderman Paul Porter, Lisburn City Council.
The £1.1 million centre is situated in the Old Warren Estate in the outskirts of Lisburn. It comprises 3 workshop units, 6 retail office units, an IT suite, a large community hall and a multi-purpose training room.
The 10,000 sq ft project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland, who provided £452,320; Lisburn City Council who provided £319,886; Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment (PEACE II Measure 1.1 Business Competitiveness and Development) who provided £299,481; NI Housing Executive who provided land valued at £180,000 and Old Warren Partnership who contributed £8,152.
Speaking at the official launch, Denis Rooney said, “This project was a great example of how a community facility can make a real difference to the people living around it.
“Creating conditions where businesses can flourish has been a key area of activity for the Fund. This facility will nurture an enterprise culture through the provision of affordable workspace in one of the largest estates in Lisburn which will greatly benefit the local people and is essential for the future of the Old Warren Estate.”
Councillor James Tinsley, Mayor of Lisburn City Council commented at the opening today, “We are delighted to see this project officially opened. This essential work and community space will facilitate the growth of small businesses that are the lifeblood of our local economy. The site has already created 10 jobs with the potential for more.”
Noel Lavery, Deputy Secretary, DETI, said, “The economic revitalisation measure of the Peace II programme provides financial assistance which aims to support the economic transition of Northern Ireland to a more stable, peaceful and prosperous society. This is demonstrated through the construction of workspace units such as we see here today. This Peace II investment totalling £299,481 will help stimulate growth, develop potential, create jobs and facilitate skills acquisition. In this way, it will contribute towards increased investment and employment opportunities for the people of Lisburn.”Mr Stephen Graham, South Eastern Area Manager with the Housing Executive commented, “It is great to see an area which was in need of economic development benefit from this excellent new community facility. The Housing Executive has collaborated with Old Warren Partnership and other statutory and voluntary agencies in a number of initiatives over the years. This is one example of the tangible benefits which can arise from such partnership working. The Housing Executive was pleased to be able to contribute the land element of this project and we look forward to continuing our working relationship in the future.”
John McStea, Director of LaganView said, “We are delighted to see the centre officially opened by our funders and young people here today. We already have a SureStart crèche, a convenience store and Lisburn Community Self Build garden furniture workshop planned for the centre and Lisburn Men’s Education Network and an Ethnic Minority Project planned for the office units. We are confident this project will transform the area and provide training and job opportunities for our local people.”
25th April
A key conference event titled ‘Young People as Leaders in Peace and Reconciliation’ was today held in The Foy Centre, Carlingford. Organised by Beyond the Lough Youth Initiative, the conference brought together groups and individuals from along the border regions to share expertise acquired over the previous ten years.
The findings of the conference are to be collated and will form part of a practice guide for community-based peace and reconciliation work. Through Beyond the Lough, a number of youth-focussed training initiatives have facilitated young people from a variety of backgrounds from both sides of Carlingford Lough to meet and learn more about the rich cultural diversity of their communities.
Speaking at the event, Deirdre Ryan, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “I wish to commend the ‘Beyond the Lough Youth Initiative’ for organising today’s event and, indeed, for their vision and hard work on behalf of young people in this area. They have rightly identified the importance of young people in the context of all our efforts to promote peace and reconciliation, and to ensure that the young people of the future must never re-live the terrible divisions that afflicted us for so long.”
She went on to highlight the range of successful programmes the IFI has supported over the years, in particular, the Wider Horizons programme, which has brought together over 14,000 young people from both traditions in the North, and from the South. She emphasised the immense importance of young people in building true peace and reconciliation and how this focus is at the heart of the Fund’s new strategy, entitled ‘Sharing this Space’.
The conference was part-financed by the European Union’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the Cross-border Consortium. Taking place in the Foy Centre in Carlingford, a building funded by the International Fund for Ireland, conference speakers included Deirdre Ryan, International Fund for Ireland; Catherine Woods, Carlingford Community Development; and Brenda Hegarty SEUPB Programmes Manager.
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25th April
The International Fund for Ireland, Tuath, and Border Action celebrated the achievements of the Donegal Centres for Learning Project at an event in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, today. This innovative project was established in 2006 to bring the opportunity of education to local communities in Donegal and contribute to the development of social and economic sustainability in rural areas.
In 2006, Tuath applied to the International Fund for Ireland and Border Action to establish the five ‘Centres for Learning.’ The IFI committed €226k into the project. The centres chosen were established community enterprise centres in their own right and are spread throughout the county of Donegal: Áislann Chill Chartha; Clonmany Youth and Community Resource; Ionad Teampall Chróine, An Clochán Liath; St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre; Tirhugh Resource Centre, Ballyshannon.
Each of these centres has undergone a training programme in order to deliver a range of community development courses. To date, 13 courses have been delivered in the centres and 245 participants have availed of the training.
At the showcase event, Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D. Minister of State for Health and Children said: “I am delighted that the International Fund for Ireland and Border Action have both supported such a worthwhile project as the Centres of Learning. The concept of the community being a key stakeholder in the learning process is very impressive. Through learning in this way, people can come to make a real contribution to their own communities and participate in local and national democratic processes. People can engage in many different aspects of life and at many different levels.”
Paddy Harte, Development Officer, International Fund for Ireland, said: “I am delighted to be here on behalf of the International Fund for Ireland, at the launch of this very impressive showcase event to recognise all the social entrepreneurs here today and to celebrate the very innovative work which you are doing. Since its inception, the Fund has committed more than €850 million to a wide variety of projects in Northern Ireland and the border counties, including a significant number here in Donegal.”
Also speaking at today’s event was Chairman of Tuath, PJ Molloy, who said: “The success of the Centres of Learning programme is testament to the commitment and excellence of the community organizations taking part. They have embraced this project with enthusiasm and energy. It shows that the local people in rural areas who might not have had the chance for learning are interested and have responded with their feet.”
16th April 2008
A multi- purpose centre, part of a £2.2m regeneration project in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, creating 50 new jobs for the area was officially opened today (Wednesday 16th April) by (L-R) Alderman Nigel Hamilton, Mayor of Newtownabbey; John McConaghie, Chairman of Monkstown Community Forum; Councillor Lynn Frazer Chair of the Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership and Denis Rooney chairman of the International Fund for Ireland.
A multi- purpose centre, part of a £2.2m regeneration project in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, creating 50 new jobs for the area was officially opened today (Wednesday 16th April) by Denis Rooney chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Alderman Nigel Hamilton, Mayor of Newtownabbey.
The new 18,000 sq ft multi-purpose centre will offer a mix of facilities for community based groups as well as commercial space for start-up businesses, business support services and office accommodation.
The project driven by Monkstown Community Forum, received funding from the International Fund for Ireland who provided £700,000; Newtownabbey Borough Council and the European Union’s Building Sustainable Property Programme, who provided £350,000; Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership (EU Peace II) who provided £200,000; Ulster Garden Villages Ltd who provided a loan of £50,000; Newtownabbey Environmental Action Team (NEAT) provided £35,000; Monkstown Community Forum raised £30,000 and a loan was provided from Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd (UCIT) of £250,000.
Thirteen out of seventeen units are already occupied with businesses ranging from Tesco Express and estate agents to Surestart childcare and the local Credit Union.
11th April 2008
A major regeneration project which has restored and enhanced one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings was officially opened today (11th April 2008) by Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland.
The building on Central Promenade, which has been refurbished at a cost of more than £560,000, is now home to the Mourne Café, the latest business venture from the owners of the Mourne Seafood Bar, which has restaurants in Dundrum and Belfast.
The project, which provides over 2,300 sq ft of commercial retail space as well as 2,000 sq ft of residential space in the form of two lettable luxury apartments, has been developed by Newcastle Property Development Limited. Funding has been provided by the International Fund for Ireland which contributed £300,000 under its Community Property Development Scheme, and Down District Council which donated £60,000. The remainder of the funding has been raised by Newcastle Property Development Limited.
Speaking at the official opening, Denis Rooney, said: “I am delighted that the Fund has been able to support Newcastle Property Development Limited in this project. The restoration of the property will not only have a tremendous positive impact on tourism in Newcastle but boost employment figures and act as a stimulant for further economic development in the area. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the people who make up Newcastle Property Development Limited in their success.”
Councillor Colin McGrath, Vice-Chairman of Down District Council, said: "I am delighted that Down District Council has been able to support this project. This demonstrates Council's support for community led regeneration projects.
Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie said: “I would like to thank the International Fund for Ireland and Down District Council for their investment in community regeneration projects in towns and villages within Down District, and, in particular, for their investment in this project here in Newcastle. A number of these projects have now been completed in places like Dundrum, Castlewellan, Killyleagh, Downpatrick and Ballynahinch, and all have had a positive impact on the social and economic life of our community. I have no doubt that this project will have a similar impact here in Newcastle.
“I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Newcastle Property Development Limited for their hard work and determination in completing this project and for their willingness to invest a substantial amount of their own funding in this project. Without their voluntary efforts, projects like this could never be delivered.”
Sean O’Rourke, Chairman Newcastle Property Development Limited, said: “We look forward to the continued regeneration of Newcastle and hope that our project will contribute to the revival of the town"
Newcastle Property Development Limited was established in 2004 to improve the economic, environmental and social life of the town.
9th April 2008
The village of Kircubbin is today celebrating the official opening of Maxwell’s Courtyard, which provides a major boost for the village with the potential to create up to 20 jobs. Picture shows funders from L-R; Roberta Dalton, OFMDFM; John McDaid, board member International Fund for Ireland; Brian Howe, Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd (UCIT); Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development; Mr Robin Drysdale, Mayor of Ards Borough Council; Eamon Fitzgerald, Chairman of Kircubbin Regeneration Programme Ltd.
The village of Kircubbin is today celebrating the official opening of Maxwell’s Courtyard which provides a major boost for the village with the potential to create up to 20 jobs.
The £686,000 redevelopment project led by the Kircubbin Regeneration Programme Ltd (KRP) with funding from the International Fund for Ireland and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and other funders have provided a new lease of life for this listed building, regenerating the site for the benefit of the local community.
Speaking at the opening John McDaid, board member from the International Fund for Ireland, said: “We are delighted to support this project which will have a very positive social and economic impact in Kircubbin and the local area. Maxwell’s Courtyard with its focus on the arts, provides both community and commercial space right in the heart of Kircubbin. We are already seeing its potential to draw in visitors to the area and in turn boosting the local economy.
Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, also added her congratulations. Commending the local development group for their persistence and efforts in bringing the project to fruition, the Minister said.
“I am delighted to be here to see the results of Kircubbin Regeneration Programme’s renovation of Maxwell’s Courtyard. Through the creation of workspaces, retail premises and, just as significant, a meeting space for local groups, Maxwell’s Courtyard has been established as a hub for social, economic and cultural activities within the village.
“I am proud that my Department, through the work of the South Down Fishing Taskforce and assistance of the Integrated Development Fund, has been able to contribute to the successful delivery of this project.”
Colin Jack, speaking at the event said, "The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is very pleased to be associated with this project. It is through initiatives by groups such as Kircubbin Regeneration Programme that communities can work together to bring about a shared and better future for all."
Mr Robin Drysdale, Mayor of Ards Borough Council said "The Council has been a civic, cultural and economic development partner with Kircubbin Regeneration Group and has played both investment and technical assistance roles in regard to Maxwell's Courtyard.
“Together with Kircubbin's excellent showing in the 2007 Co-operation Ireland "Pride of Place" Awards, Maxwell's Courtyard shows the results of practical partnership and it is in every sense a flagship scheme which is worthy of praise and further support."
Eamon Fitzgerald, Chairman of Kircubbin Regeneration Programme Ltd, said: “On behalf of our hard working committee I am delighted to see the Maxwell's Courtyard Complex completed and trust it will be the catalyst for the continued regeneration of Kircubbin and the surrounding area. Over the past four years the hard work of the committee, with the invaluable assistance of the Fund, the Fisheries Task Force, Ards Borough Council and the local community has made it possible to resurrect this local landmark site from ruin. It is now a thriving focus for new businesses and will provide much needed community and arts facilities for the area.''
Maxwell’s Courtyard’s three commercial units have already been let to the Portaferry Credit Union, Peninsula Gallery and Crafts and Ella Rose gift shop. The three office spaces are currently let to The Peninsula Foot Clinic, Kircubbin Community Church, and innovative jeweller ‘Lotus de Wit’. Two 2 storey commercial units at the back of the building are still available for let. The Inishargy room is the largest space and is used frequently by the McKenna school of Irish Dancing, a successful cross community group.
The redevelopment of Maxwell’s Courtyard has enhanced Kircubbin’s facilities and is already attracting a large number of tourists and visitors to the area.
4th April 2008
The Lodge Outside: Back row from left. Councillor Eamon O'Neill, Chairman of Castlewellan Regeneration Company Limited, Eamon Graham, Ulster Comhaltas, South Down MP Eddie McGrady, Kenneth Rankin, Board member RDC with Deirdre Ryan, IFI Board member (left) and Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development.
Also pictured are Mark Wilson, Castlewellan Primary School (aged 10) Catherine Walsh, Newcastle Comhaltas (aged 16) and Aimee Toner, St Malachy's Primary School (aged 11).
The Lodge in Castlewellan took on a new lease of life today (4th April 2008) when it was officially opened as a new culture and business centre following extensive renovations undertaken over the past year.
Situated in Main Street, the listed building which has been refurbished at a cost of more than £804,244 incorporates 6,823 sq ft of high specification office, training and community space including eight lettable retail offices as well as conference facilities and a cultural performance area. Traditional Irish music organisation, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eíreann has been secured as anchor tenant.
The project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland which has contributed £391,256 to the scheme, the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) which has granted £183,000 through the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity programme, the Department for Social Development (DSD) which has donated £141,256 and Down District Council £52,000. The remainder of the funding has been raised by the project facilitators Castlewellan Regeneration Company Limited.
Deidre Ryan, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland, said:
"The International Fund for Ireland has enjoyed an enduring and successful relationship with Castlewellan Regeneration Company and was a key funder of the Hillyard House project.
"I am delighted that the Fund is able to offer its support again for this new project. The restoration of the property will not only have a tremendous positive impact on the ongoing regeneration of Castlewellan but will boost local enterprise and act as a focal point for cultural and community activity in the area. We wish the work of the centre well."
Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development, speaking at the official opening in the newly refurbished building, said: "Since being appointed Minister for Social Development, I have had the opportunity to visit many community-based regeneration projects all across Northern Ireland. I never cease to be amazed by the energy and commitment of local people who, working in partnership with my officials and others, manage to deliver important regeneration schemes for their communities. It is important to remember that these people are working in an entirely voluntary capacity, in the evenings and at weekends, for no personal gain."
Shortly after taking up office, I attended the official launch of this project and I am delighted to be back here today to see it come to fruition. I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the people who make up Castlewellan Regeneration Company and other similar community-based organisations throughout Northern Ireland."
Speaking at the launch RDC Council member Kenneth Rankin said, "As an organisation we are constantly striving to assist rural communities realise a vision for their area. RDC staff have been involved with this group since 2002 and have, over those six years, witnessed their determination in restoring this beautiful building into a cultural and business centre. This group and this community have long dreamt of this day, of filling this old house with activity and life and the sound of music. We are delighted that the centre is finally open and salute the group for their endeavours."
Councillor Eamon O'Neill, Chairman of Castlewellan Regeneration Company Limited, said: "Castlewellan attracts many visitors each year due to its natural beauty. This business and cultural centre will enable us to capitalise on tourism development by providing space for business enterprise and cultural activities. I have no doubt that the Centre will be of huge benefit to the commercial and community life of Castlewellan for many years to come."
Castlewellan Regeneration Company Limited was established in 1993 to regenerate the economic, environmental and social life of the Castlewellan area. This project follows on from the company's successful Hillyard House scheme completed in 2002 and whose profits have been reinvested into The Lodge.
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