Cross border achievements celebrated

Over 50 organisations were celebrated and six special Bridie Sweeney, Riverbrooke Cross-Border Project - This project recognition awards presented at the first Daily Ireland Cross sprang from a ten year association between communities in Border Achievement Awards at the Slieve Russell Hotel Riverstown Co. Sligo and Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, driven in Co. Cavan in March. by a mutual desire to build a relationship of understanding and trust. Sponsored by the Special EU Programmes Body and Bank of George Newell, Ballymacarret Arts & Cultural Society - Based in Ireland, the awards recognised organisations and individuals east , Ballymacarret Arts & Cultural Society has been pioneering who had made a valuable contribution to cross-border social programmes of social and cultural regeneration since 1996. It has and economic relationships. Guests at the event were addressed developed a number of partnerships between community and youth by Minister of State Brendan Smith, TD for Cavan, Pat Colgan, groups and schools in east Belfast and the border counties. Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body and Sir George Quigley, Chairman of Bombardier Aerospace. Atlantic Drift - In 2003, Donegal County Council and Limavady Borough Council joined forces to launch the Atlantic Drift Six special recognition awards were presented to: Bunscoil Cross-Border scheme, to boost the ferry connection between an Iúir - established in 1989, this Newry primary school has Magilligan in Derry and Greencastle in Donegal and improving moved from humble beginnings to modern facilities. Over 100 pupils tourism in the area. attend, from the Newry City, south Down, south Armagh and north Louth areas. The school has helped to create a new generation Dr. Barney Toal, Digital Media Works - this partnership between of fluent Irish speakers. the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education and the Letterkenny Institute has created a business incubation unit to assist Avril Crawford, Arts & Disability Forum - founder of a number the development of the digital multimedia industry in the northwest. of groundbreaking initiatives, the Arts & Disability Forum was established in 1993 to promote disabled people in the arts sector. Details of the people and projects are contained in a magazine The forum works closely with the Arts Council of downloadable from www.dailyireland.com and Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and runs a gallery in Belfast, an awards scheme and a number of other projects. 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, 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 An update on European Union PEACE and INTERREG programmes EU! 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

Creative enterprises 08 come together Welcome to the first issue PSNI and An Garda Síochána 10 launch cross border diversity of our magazine Your EU! training

Birthday marks Taughmonagh’s Your EU! brings together within The magazine is also available 12 £1 million investment the one publication news of the wide to view online at www.seupb.org range of projects that are funded Taoiseach visits cross community by the European Union’s Programme Your EU! will be published four youth project 19 for Peace and Reconciliation and times a year. If you are involved with an exciting or successful project and would Harmony in Action teams INTERREG IIIA Programme. 29 improve community like others to read about it in these green spaces The European Union is often seen as pages, then we’d love to hear from a huge, impersonal organisation that is you. Contact us at [email protected] Cameras roll for Louth, Newry far removed from everyday life. The aim and Mourne Film Commission Similarly, we need to know about 26 of this publication is to recognise the forthcoming events for a new calendar Castleregh students award contribution EU funding is making list. Please complete a simple form to communities and individuals. We 35 online at www.seupb.org to register have spoken to dozens of individuals your event. throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Irish Republic We would also welcome your Real Life Interviews about their personal experiences feedback and views on this first of EU funded projects. Marie helps women follow issue of Your EU! 06 in her footsteps and return In these pages, you will read about to work or education Please also send any suggestions many wide-ranging EU funded project you have for improving it. activities. As part of a new ‘Real Life John and the ‘Gate 14 to Plate’ farm initiative Interview’ feature, we interviewed four I hope you enjoy reading Your EU! individuals involved with, or whose lives IT Express supported have changed as a result of taking part Roger Hope 22 Greg’s return to work in, an EU project or training course. Editor

Carers course helped Mae

30 Front cover photograph: Taughmonagh woman Marie McGarry helps women in her area return to work or education.

2 Your EU! Spring 2006 Projects part-financed by the European Union “ FOREWORD ”

Since their introduction, the as a source of inspiration and encouragement within the EU European Union’s PEACE and as its newest members, particularly those in border regions, INTERREG programmes have seek to overcome their own past, building better societies and been instrumental in bringing economies. With the support of the EU, we have been able to people together to work towards work towards genuinely beneficial cross-border partnerships improved economic and social - a theme that sets the tone for future EU funding programmes. conditions for all. As we reflect on the success to date of cross-border Success has been based on an ethos of partnership collaboration, we recognise that there is still much to do within encompassing business, the voluntary and community Northern Ireland and the border region if we are to achieve sectors, government and other agencies and, fundamentally, our goal - a peaceful and more economically and socially between people. These partnerships, many of which have stable society where diversity is accepted as the norm. 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 Pat Colgan in relation to cross-border collaboration and the ability to work Chief Executive towards improving competitiveness and employment, is viewed 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

confidence in the EU is to press ahead with a practical agenda, including economic reform, Communicating Europe better regulation, the creation of jobs, tackling climate change and other environmental issues.

The European Union overlooked or, at the very to live, work and study Another challenge is has a major impact on least, taken for granted. in other parts of Europe. to explain why the EU the lives of its 459 million continues to be relevant citizens. Yet opinion polls It is therefore worth Working together EU in the 21st century. show that more and more restating some of the countries are able to people know little about main achievements. come up with solutions As far as Northern Ireland the EU or about what it to shared problems such is concerned, an increased has achieved over the Successive enlargements as environmental pollution awareness of and dialogue last 50 fifty years. have helped transform or cross-border crime. about European policies Europe underpinning and programmes is also vital s media attention has democracy, stability Yet despite the successes, if the province is to continue A inevitably focused on and economic prosperity there are increasing doubts to derive maximum benefit differences between member across an ever greater about what Europe is for from EU membership. states over big issues such part of the continent. and where it is heading. as the future financing of Eddie McVeigh the EU and the challenge of The single market has made For the European Head of the European globalisation, the relevance it much easier for companies Commission, the best way Commission Office of the EU is in danger of being to trade and for many people of overcoming this crisis of in Northern Ireland

announcement of Preparing for the New EU Programmes the programmes.

In December 2005 the and then refer it to the Council measures and priorities,” “The EU budget for Territorial European Council of of Ministers. The European said Shaun Henry, Director, Co-operation will fund PEACE Ministers agreed to include Commission will then make Programmes, Special EU III and the successor to the a €200 million PEACE III a formal announcement. Programmes Body. INTERREG programme. programme in the EU This will shape the objectives budget for 2007-2013. “Given the size of the budget “The Irish and UK governments for the programmes and will it is reasonable to assume that have asked us to complete a provide the framework for The European Parliament will PEACE III cannot simply be a consultation as soon as we the consultation,” be asked to ratify the decision continuation of the previous can following the formal Shaun said.

4 Spring 2006 Your EU! Projects part-financed by the European Union News & Info

“Northern Ireland will also benefit from other mainstream Jeff Rooker welcomes new EU funding programmes. € Enlargement and our 200 million PEACE funding relative prosperity within the EU means that the level of funding will be much Northern Ireland Finance border region of Ireland over reduced from current levels, Minister, Jeff Rooker, has the last 11 years or so. It has but it will still be of significant welcomed the new €200 allowed thousands of cross benefit to everyone here. million PEACE funding community projects to tackle for the 2007-2013 period. some of the most difficult We will be taking forward the issues facing everyone in development of Programmes, The funding is coming to Northern Ireland as we try in consultation with Northern Ireland as a result of to build a society based on stakeholders and social the European Council Budget mutual trust and recognition. partners, over the Agreement. Jeff Rooker said: This further EU funding will coming months.” “The European Union PEACE allow this work to continue Northern Ireland Finance funding has meant a lot to until 2013 and is very Minister, Jeff Rooker. Northern Ireland and the welcome indeed. PEACE Interparliamentary visit to Belfast During a recent visit During their visit they to Belfast, members met with the Special EU of the British-Irish Inter- Programmes Body, Ligoniel Parliamentary Body Improvement Association, visited projects supported East Belfast Partnership by the EU Programme for and Oasis to learn more Peace and Reconciliation. about the positive impact of European Union PEACE embers of the funding in terms of socio- M British-Irish Inter- economic development. Pictured (l-r) are: Damien English TD; Baroness Harris of Richmond; Parliamentary Body visited Michael German, Member of the Welsh Assembly; Rosemary McKenna Belfast as part of their inquiry MP; John Griffiths, Member of the Welsh Assembly and Pat Colgan, into Economic Deprivation Chief Executive, SEUPB. in Northern Ireland. PEACE

Projects part-financed by the European Union Spring 2006 Your EU! 5 Marie helps women follow in her footsteps and return to work REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS

European Union PEACE funding over “We have had great success getting people into employment,” Marie the last seven years has had a significant states. “Examples include young mothers who have come through the programme, found jobs and, importantly, stayed in employment impact on the Taughmonagh Community. The “ - to a young women who has gone on to study radiotherapy at the funding has supported a wide range of programmes University of Ulster.”

including women’s training, economic development,

Although these are just a few examples of the success of the childcare and educational development allowing programme there are so many other benefits to the women and the aspirations to develop and“ the opportunity wider community: for example, encouraging the ethos of education for people to gain qualifications, skills in families and financial security through employment or gaining higher paid employment. The training on offer includes a basic computer and employment. class for women.

Marie McGarry, Taughmonagh. 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 For Marie, the availability of PEACE funding has also marked is the belief that community and individual empowerment is all about a transformation in her own life. building confidence and self-esteem. Marie explains:

“As a lone-parent, I know how difficult it can be to juggle looking “We have worked hard to create an environment after a child with training and/or employment,” Marie said. By attending in which people can recognise their own strengths EU PEACE funded courses Marie McGarry from Taughmonagh in South Belfast was able to gain skills, experience and qualifications. allowing the development of individual opportunities.” Then she applied to work on the programme and, happily, was successful. She has worked in Taughmonagh for the past three “The local community is fully aware of what we have on offer years as the Training for Women Network Project Officer providing and isn’t afraid to access our services. As well as advice, guidance, support, advice and guidance on education and employment support and training, we also help with the completion of job application issues to local women. forms, interview skills and signpost people in the right direction if they require further assistance through links with the Training Since the project began three years ago, she and her colleagues & Employment Agency and New Deal,” Marie adds. have helped more than 120 people from Taughmonagh and Finaghy access training, qualifications and progress into employment through The support the programme provides to the local women is mentoring, study support, advocacy and provision of childcare. 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, Membership of the growing Club from a wide range of fields. In Productions, a recording facility supported by the European includes poets, painters, web site fact, I’m now collaborating with and audio/visual post-production Union’s INTERREG IIIA designers, jewellery makers and another Club member, Garden company in Jonesborough set programme, is bringing other crafts people, multimedia Designer Anne Kennedy, and up in 2002. The company was together people working and production companies’ together we are to create a responsible for producing the in creative industries in staff, publishers and more. display garden at the important CEO Club promotional DVD. east border region counties Spring Home and Garden Show Jacqui added: “What’s great is Armagh, Down, Louth and Daniel Phillips of Ravensdale at Dublin’s RDS in March.” the chance to meet other people Monaghan to share their designs and working in creative industries and experiences and skills manufactures contemporary Daniel added that he found the to start generating business. and provide a platform garden furniture through seminar talk given by BBC Radio On top of that it’s an opportunity for cooperation and his business, Patio. Ulster broadcaster Marie McStay to market the business - to let business growth. to have been very thought- people know what services He explains how Club provoking: “She helped Club we can offer.” Known as the Creative Enterprise membership is benefiting members to focus on the link Office Club, the network was set him: “The Club offers a range of creativity that we share and to The Club launched its new up last July and is a partnership of services from formal seminars feel confident about what we are member web site in January between two development to informal networking gatherings. doing - that creativity counts!” at a networking event in Armagh. agencies, Louth County At these monthly events, it’s been For further information visit Enterprise Board and Newry supportive to meet and exchange Jacqui Molloy is Business www.ceoclub.ie & Mourne Enterprise Agency. ideas with other creative people Manager with Top Drawer 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 I would definitely love to do more of the project, Aine McCauley, with the forum to interact without PEACE project that promoted arts projects in the future as a Arts Co-ordinator, said: “CHAP prejudice. I would welcome more culture, arts and heritage on result of being involved in CHAP.” brought new horizons to rural programmes like that of CHAP a cross community basis in communities in South Armagh in the future.” rural County Armagh engaged Known as CHAP, the through an array of artistic

700 local participants. Rural Community Halls Arts disciplines. It provided budding PEACE Partnership ran over a 16-month artists with the facility to practise Highlight of the project for period. It was funded by the EU’s in a creative expression of their one participant, Kathy O’Hare PEACE II through the Rural choice ranging from painting of Mountnorris, was the creation Development Council and and drawing to mosaic murals of a mosaic mural: “We led by Regeneration and sculpture - from dance thoroughly enjoyed the of South Armagh. and drama to textile craft entire experience of CHAP. It and silk painting. It also was such a brilliant project that The project encouraged enticed those who just fancied got the whole community to promotion of arts and culture, doing ‘something different’, work together, and we produced and also illustrated the and more often than not it was a beautiful mosaic mural that opportunities that arts and these very people who excelled everyone contributed to. It was cultural activities can provide in the activity they had chosen. particularly nice to watch the in the sustainability of rural interaction between all members community halls. “As well as the training in a variety of our community from both of art forms the people involved main traditions, regardless of Groups from seven rural areas developed strong friendships what age they were - CHAP of County Armagh worked in with neighbouring communities catered for all of us. The mosaic partnership together in 74 arts who ordinarily they would not has pride of place outside our workshops. In addition, seven have associated with, and I think Kathy O’Hare of Mountnorris community hall and it’s a great cultural events were organised this is the most important thing shows the mosaic mural she feeling to know that we made which brought in members of all. I believe that ‘art’ in what helped create at her local community hall as part it, that we will always have it and of the wider community. ever form it takes, has the neutral of the CHAP project. it will be there for years to come. Speaking about the success qualities required to provide us

Projects part-financed by the European Union 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.”

The An Garda Síochána Commissioner Noel Conroy said the training programme was an important step in bringing together the two organisations to work 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 to promote diversity. and Noel Conroy, Garda Commissioner. Commissioner Conroy said: “The programme will develop An innovative cross-border issues. It is to comprise around programme. “This initiative police officers’ skills in dealing training programme aimed 55 one-day training sessions is another positive step in with differences, recognizing at helping police officers to be held in both Northern building further on the existing the role of group think and gain a better understanding Ireland and the Republic of co-operation between the PSNI acknowledging the unique of the communities they serve Ireland this year. Training will and An Garda Síochána and characteristics of policing was launched in Armagh be delivered by PSNI/Garda is designed to enable officers in Ireland - North and South. on 14 February by the Police trainers who will be assisted to deliver a more effective Service of Northern Ireland by a team of expert diversity service to every community. “The emerging diversity and An Garda Síochána. facilitators appointed from of society on this island has the community. “Both Northern Ireland the capacity to enrich all our The project Diversity Works is andthe communities and to showcase funded through the European Speaking at the launch, are becoming more diverse both jurisdictions as an Union’s PEACE II Programme the Police Service of Northern societies and we as police example of best practice and endeavours to challenge Ireland Chief Constable officers must be able to in promoting inclusion.” officers’ perceptions and raise Sir Hugh Orde welcomed understand and appreciate their awareness of diversity the roll-out of the training the different cultures that make PEACE

10 Your EU! Spring 2006 Projects part-financed by the European Union News & Info

Invitation to Brussels open days New

The biggest annual event take part this year. The theme of use of resources and Technology on European regional policy, the week is ‘Investing in Europe’s environmental ‘European Week of Regions Regions and Cities: Public and technologies. Exposed and Cities - OPEN DAYS 2006’, Private Partners for Growth and ■ Supporting public-private is taking place in Brussels Jobs’. The organisers expect partnerships for larger Leading European between 9 and 12 more than 3,000 participants infrastructure projects, October 2006. to visit the 80 workshops. and, technology will be on ■ Cutting red tape: show in Newry for the The Committee of the Regions The subjects covered Managing the Structural E-europe4all conference and the European Commission’s by the workshops will be: Funds between 2007 on 18 and 19 May in Regional Policy Directorate ■ Investing in competitive and 2013. the Canal Court Hotel. General organise the week. enterprises and high For information on OPEN DAYS 134 partner regions and quality jobs. 2006, visit the following website The conference will cities from 20 Member ■ Fostering regional http://europa.eu.int/comm showcase the best States, two candidate countries innovation. /regionalpolicy/conferences e-technology in Europe. and Norway and Switzerland will ■ /od2006 Investing in sustainable There will interactive demonstrations of e-health, e-business, e-commerce, e-government, and New reports published e-community. For further details, including PEACE II Annual The Mid-term Evaluation of registration, itinerary Implementation Report 2004 PEACE II has been updated and current sponsors The fifth annual report of the following its extension. visit www.e-europe4all.net EU Programme for Peace A summary of the update or contact Joanne Hughes and Reconciliation in Northern is now available. Copies on +44 (0)28 9039 3837; of both publications can Ireland and the Border Region email j.hughes@ be downloadable from of Ireland (2000 - 2004) has morrowcommunications. http://www.seupb.org/pub been prepared by the Special co.uk peace.htm or on request EU Programmes Body. from Programme Office, PEACE II Mid-term SEUPB, 6 Cromac Place, Evaluation Update Belfast BT7 2JB.

Projects part-financed by the European Union Your EU! Spring 2006 11 Project News

Birthday marks Taughmonagh’s £1 million investment

A day nursery situated The Scribbles Day Nursery, be achieved through in South Belfast’s which is situated in the centre working in partnership with Taughmonagh Estate of the estate, received communities and drawing recently celebrated its £244,000 from the PEACE upon the expertise and first birthday - a milestone programme and now employs support, in this case, of the Belfast Local reached thanks to the nine fully qualified staff and Strategy Partnership. support of the European cares for up to 39 children Union Programme for aged between 3 months “Each and every day the Peace and Reconciliation. and 4 years. The project PEACE programme is making is seen as a model example a significant difference to the of a social economic lives of thousands of people On hand to help with project funded by the in Northern Ireland as well the celebrations were Pat EU through the Belfast as in the Border region. Colgan, Chief Executive of Local Strategy Partnership. The Taughmonagh project is just one example of the Special EU Programmes how the EU’s investment Body which is the managing Pat Colgan, SEUPB has acted as a catalyst authority for the PEACE II Chief Executive, said for meaningful change.” programme and Jim Allister that Taughmonagh was an he said. MEP, who has taken a keen outstanding demonstration interest in the estate. of the transition which could 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). Projects part-financed by the European Union 12 Your EU! Spring 2006 Project News

Rural Life showcased online

An exciting Rural Showcase metropolitan centres by of rural life. It comprises a CultureNorthernIreland web project, hosted on the presenting rural Northern Ireland fascinating collection of articles, site was launched one year innovative Culture Northern on a hi-tech platform. The photoessays and short films ago to showcase Northern Ireland web site, reflects the project is funded by the showcasing rural life. More Ireland’s cultural assets in the richness and diversity of rural European Union Programme than a hundred contributors international arena. It results life and heritage in Northern for Peace and Reconciliation have taken part in the project, from a partnership between the Ireland as never before through the Rural including Rathlin Co-operative Nerve Centre in Londonderry - and all in the space Development Council. Society, Cookstown and and the Linen Hall Library of a few mouse-clicks. Western Shores Area Network, in Belfast. Launched in February, the Regeneration of South Armagh The Rural Showcase aims to online multimedia showcase network and the give rural locations parity with celebrates the amazing diversity Historical Society. The PEACE

Image Above: Rural life on 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 at creating a better provided true examples of in the future. The week of Rural Development was understanding of what the contribution local people was coordinated by the Rural the theme for the first co- rural development is all make to the development Development Council and the ordinated ‘Rural Life Week’ about. The focus was and sustainability of rural Rural Development Division in March. The week long on communities, groups areas. There were also of DARD. series of events, activities and individuals participating opportunities to discuss and promotions was aimed in the current programme who shaping rural development INTERREG

Projects part-financed by the European Union Spring 2006 Your EU! 13 John and the ‘Gate to Plate’ farm initiative REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS

The project group is working on a range made for producers to link with similar groups, breed societies, of actions that farmers can introduce processors and retailers - further promoting the ‘gate to plate’ ideal. The project also offers participants professional mentor

to improve the quality of the suckler herd on

“ support on a one to one basis to help them assess a family farm. In particular, we are focusing on and improve the farm business. improvements in animal welfare, good“ farming John feels he is benefiting from his project involvement in a practice, food chain safety, health and safety number of ways. “It is good that the project is addressing a and business competitiveness. number of issues that are not currently widely addressed, in particular animal welfare. For example, there is an accompanying John Barron, Ballyshannon. 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 Ballyshannon farmer John Barron is one of 40 cattle farmers not producing enough milk to suckle their calves. We had a visiting in the West Fermanagh, North Leitrim, North Sligo and South animal breeder expert attend one of our meetings and the exchange Donegal area participating in the Gate to Plate project. of views and breeding tips was useful.” The project aims to help them sustain and improve the family farm income through improving the quality John said that he enjoys the exchange of views and information of their suckler herds. with the other participants at the regular networking events, and especially the exchanges with the farmers from Northern Ireland. The cross border project is being run by MED Rural Development € Company Ltd, and was awarded 385,000 in European Union In addition to participating in the project John acts a funding through the Irish Central Border Area INTERREG IIIA Mentor to a group of ten other participants.“In this role, Partnership (ICBAN). I work alongside the farmers, exploring ways to improve their business competitiveness and assisting the project manager John has been managing his Donegal farm business for 15 years in addressing the needs of the participants through meetings, and has a herd of 40 suckler cows and their followers. He spoke specialist advice and training activities,” he explained. to Your EU! about his involvement in ‘Gate to Plate’. “In particular this role gives me the opportunity Launched in September 2005, the project runs regular networking to have more regular contact with and to learn events on a cross border basis. Networking opportunities are also from others in the same business as me”. INTERREG

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 campus. Judi McGaffin, Director for dental nurses who are field have the opportunity Strabane offers dentists and of Dental Health with the registering with the General for professional development dental staff from both sides Western Health and Social Dental Council. In addition, courses on our door step - of the border in the North Services Board, was a key looking ahead, we would intend without the need to travel to West region opportunities player in setting up the Centre, to run careers information days Belfast, Dublin or further afield. to take part in professional working collaboratively with for local schools to include development courses the Health Service Executive hands on experience.” “I was very impressed too that are run locally. in the Republic of Ireland. by the video conferencing Strabane dentist, Dr Donal links the Centre can offer. Summarising the Centre’s McEnhill, recently completed It is possible in the Centre The centre was funded activities Ms McGaffin said. a postgraduate short course to receive instruction in a by the European Union’s “The Centre currently runs on endodontics. He said of the specialist field by linking INTERREG IIIA Programme hands on postgraduate courses new Centre: “This is a first-class up with an expert in a under Measure 3.2 ‘Health for dentists on both sides of training facility - a centre dental school anywhere. and Well-being’, through the border and an oral health of excellence. Cooperation and Working education certificate course “I congratulate Judi McGaffin Together (CAWT), the cross for dental nurses on both “As dentists we must complete and the partnership team that border health and social care sides of the border. 15 hours of verifiable continuing secured this facility for the North partnership. The state of the art professional development each West,” Dr McEnhill added. Cross Border Dental Outreach “Cross border cooperation year. It is great now that in the Centre opened in April last year between health service North-West area dentists, dental at the North West Institute of providers is ongoing and we nurses, therapists, hygienists Further and Higher Education hope to introduce courses and everyone working in the 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.

Projects part-financed by the European Union 16 Your EU! Spring 2006 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.”

Gearoid Lynch, Euro-Toques steering committee member WELCOME and chef proprietor of the Olde Post Inn, County Cavan, pointed out the potential value to GoodFood.ie of the website: “It provides chefs with information about producers in their areas and allows them to share knowledge A new web site - The web site’s creation is Nick Price is head chef and communicate via the www.goodfood.ie one of the latest initiatives of and proprietor of the Belfast discussion forum”. was launched in January as the Euro-Toques Small Food restaurant Nick’s Warehouse part of a project funded by the Initiative, aiming to bring chefs where the web site launch took Image: Euro-Toques chefs Nick Price European Union’s INTERREG and restaurateurs together place. One of Euro-Toques 200 (left) and Gearoid Lynch launch the IIIA Programme, through the with small food producers from members in Ireland he said: website as part of the Euro-Toques Irish Central Border Area the border and cross border “Euro-Toques is very happy to small food initiative. INTERREG IIIA Partnership to encourage local sourcing be involved with this initiative (ICBAN). of quality food. that is intended to encourage INTERREG

where almost half of the population is against EU Comet making connections membership, many people think that the EU waste Councils and Local Strategy how and best practice on The exchange with Stockholm money on useless subsidies Partnerships in the Belfast development issues such as took place last autumn and to other countries. Metropolitan Region are urban regeneration and social included a visit to the Comet continuing with their exchanges partnerships. To date the project region to see best practice in “When we visited Belfast of best practice with regions has included best practice economic development and we could see the beneficial throughout Europe, with funding exchanges with the Valencia creative industries. As part of results of EU funding and from the European Union Peace region in Spain and the the three day visit the delegation that it makes a difference and Reconciliation Programme Stockholm City Region in also visited other PEACE II and really contributes to for the Connect project. Sweden. In April, there will be funded projects. Members of important development”. a two-way exchange between the Swedish entourage were The Connect project aims to the Comet region and Vilnius extremely impressed and one facilitate an exchange of know in Lithuania. delegate stated, “In Sweden, PEACE

Projects part-financed by the European Union Spring 2006 Your EU! 17 Project News

Sailors enjoy improvements at Kinnego Marina

Paul Magee, Assistant Harbour With part funding of €185,000 being implementing to promote And users find the modern Master at Kinnego Marina on from the European Union’s cross border development jetties more accessible,” Lough Neagh at Craigavon, INTERREG IIIA Programme and co-operation. Paul Magee explained. is pleased to report that through the East Border Region the recent improvements “Thanks to the recent investment, Image Above: Pictured at the launch Tourism Partnership, additional made to two jetties at two older-style jetties that had of the enhanced facilities at Kinnego marina on Lough Neagh are (l-r): Mayor the marina are proving to berths at the marina were a capacity of 50 berths have created. The initiative is part of Craigavon, Councillor George be a great success with been replaced with modern, Savage; Paddy Prunty, Harbour Master the sailing community. of an EU funded €2.6 million new and extended jetties with for Kinnego Marina; Dette Hughes, tourism development project 10 additional berths. 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 Additional funding has been secured from the Loughs Agency all shapes and sizes, will set sail up Lough Foyle on 4 June, as and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. the finale to the first Celtic European Festival of the Sea, which The Celtic European Festival of the Sea celebrates the North West’s is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA programme. 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 The Celtic European Festival of the Sea is supported by the INTERREG areas involved: Coleraine, Derry, Donegal, Limavady and Moyle. IIIA Programme through the Department of Agriculture and Rural For further information on the Festival log onto www.maritimefestival.net Development, Border Action and the Irish Central Border Area Network. It is managed by North West Rural Development. INTERREG

18 Your EU! Spring 2006 Projects part-financed by the European Union Project News

Taoiseach visits cross community youth project

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern Oasis Caring in Action awareness, prejudice, which is making a real TD confirmed his support (based in inner East Belfast). leadership, citizenship difference in breaking down for a further extension of and respect for diversity and barriers and building peace the PEACE Programme Creative Crosslinks aims to brings together young people and reconciliation here. during a visit to the Creative help young people (aged 14- from different communities Crosslinks cross community 20) in disadvantaged areas to who would not normally “Without the PEACE II funding youth project currently develop skills, self-confidence meet each other. we would not have been funded under the European and self-understanding and able to provide these much- Union’s Programme for in practical terms to bridge Doug Smith, Director of Youth needed services for young Peace and Reconciliation gaps in understanding Initiatives, the Creative people and are hopeful that (PEACE II). and relationships. Crosslinks project lead a further extension to the partner said: “We were programme would enable he Belfast project is Through the media of dance, delighted to share with us to develop and expand T a partnership between drama, art, IT and music the Taoiseach the work of our services.” Youth Initiatives (lead partner the project addresses issues Creative Crosslinks, which is based in West Belfast) and of self-awareness, cultural just one example of a project 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 to European integration. They should: The Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) programme (2000-‘06) ■ Bring EU citizens closer will publish the last call for together and increase proposals in May 2006. their sense of ‘Europeaness’. About €55 million will ■ Promote active citizen be available to co-finance participation to discuss projects on energy efficiency, the future of the EU, and renewables, intelligent use ■ Create new, and The Commission will consider Innovative Youth Projects of energy in transport and strengthen existing, links proposals for the following areas: to create new local or regional between municipalities In the framework of the 1. eGovernment energy agencies. The deadline in Europe. Youth Programme, the for applications is the end 2. eHealth European Commission Total budget: €7.5 million. of October 2006. has published a call for 3. eInclusion Grants for a project can range proposals for innovative There is a European from €2,000 to €20,000. The 4. eLearning cooperation, training Information Day in Brussels next deadlines for proposals are 5. Trust & Security, and and information projects on 30 May and there are plans 3 April and 1 June 2006. in non-formal education. for National Information Days. 6. Services supporting small and Further details at: Further details at: medium-sized enterprise. http://europa.eu.int/comm/to Priority themes include: cultural http://europa.eu.int/comm/en wntwinning/call/call_en.html Funding of up to 50% diversity and tolerance; less- ergy/intelligent/index_en.html (or 100% under the favoured regions; innovation additional cost model) in EU citizenship education; e-Services Town Twinning is available. and cooperation between The 2006 call for proposals To help set up e-services local or regional authorities to promote Active European in the EU, the European Total budget: €45.6 million. and youth NGOs. Projects Citizenship will support citizens’ Commission is calling must have a clear transnational Deadline for proposals: meetings in the framework of for proposals to support dimension and must lead to 19 May 2006. town-twinning. Meetings should ‘initial deployment’ or new or enhanced partnerships. aim to raise awareness of the ‘market validation’ under Further details at: EU and reinforce commitment the eTEN programme. http://europa.eu.int/eten Total budget: €2 million.

20 Your EU! Spring 2006 Projects part-financed by the European Union News & Info

Funding per project can The European Commission ■ €74 million for Territorial Money for the other be between €100,000 is planning to provide €811 Co-operation (€63 million programmes will be spread and €300,000. 10 to 15 million of Structural Funds for cross-border evenly through the 7-year period. projects will be supported. to Ireland for the 2007 co-operation and €11 to 2013 period. This is roughly million for transnational The figures are a guide to help Deadline for applications: in line with expectations. The co-operation). planning and confirmation will 1 July 2006. breakdown of the money is: A further €58 million is for follow approval of the Structural Further details at: ■ €419 million for the Border, the PEACE programme. Funds Regulations in July. http://europa.eu.int/comm/you Midlands and Western th/call/index_en.html region. Funding to the BMW region will ■ €260 million for the start with €143 million in 2007 Ireland’s Structural Funds Southern and Eastern and drop to €13 million in the Allocation for 2007-2013 Region. final three years.

Agenda aiming to promote jobs we will be actively engaging National Consultation and growth in Europe. with stakeholders to seek views on what is the right on Future Structural Funds The Northern Ireland chapter is strategic framework for closely linked to the Economic future mainstream EU Funds A wide-ranging consultation to establish the broad Vision document launched by spending in Northern Ireland.” to identify priorities for priorities for Structural Funds the Government last year and European Union Structural spending across the UK includes a strong focus on The consultation ends Funds spending across the for the period 2007-2013. activities to support enterprise, on 22 May 2006. UK from 2007 to 2013 has ■ The Government’s innovation and sustainable The consultation document and been launched. proposals for distributing development as well as boosting draft National Framework are the UK’s Structural Funds skills and employment. available on the DTI website at A Northern Ireland chapter allocations under the new http://www.dti.gov.uk/europe/n includes proposals for Competitiveness Objective, Welcoming the consultation, srf.html high-level priorities to and Minister of State, Jeff Rooker improve competitiveness ■ Future arrangements said: “It is important that this The draft Community and employment. for delivery of the Funds. funding is used to maximum Strategic Guidelines are The consultation asks Structural Funds are used to advantage here to increase available on the European for comments on: reduce regional disparities and economic prosperity and Commission website at ■ A draft ‘National Strategic to promote regional development employment and we are keen http://europa.eu.int/comm/regi Reference Framework’ and employment. The priorities to receive all views on the onal_policy/sources/docoffic/2 for future Structural Funds proposed for the UK are closely proposals in the document. 007/osc/index_en.htm Programmes in the UK linked to those of the Lisbon During the consultation period

Projects part-financed by the European Union Spring 2006 Your EU! 21 IT Express supported Greg’s return to work REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS

Employers said they were looking for the course, six in-house working for the MCSA qualification and a ‘hands-on’ professional qualification, the other six on work placement. The project is funded by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, through Proteus (NI) Ltd.

“together with work experience. At that point this was a big disappointment to me. But then “The whole course was a fantastic opportunity - so well worthwhile.

I can’t say enough good about it. I would strongly recommend I saw the IT Express course advertised. It offered it to anyone who wants to work in IT. Yes, it’s hard work, but the qualification known as an MCSA (Microsoft “ if you want a job in IT and put in the work, then IT Express Certified Systems Administrator), which is very equips you with the skills you need,” Greg says.

highly sought after in the IT industry and had Greg found that the work placement experience in particular was been mentioned at an interview I attended. invaluable. “The Oasis Centre has forged very successful partnerships with placement providers - AVEC Solutions, SureSkills, BIC Systems, Greg Hanna, East Belfast. , 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 “The personal development module also helped build up my an IT Administrator with BT, states simply that he is confidence for interviews. It included such topics as assertiveness, “the living proof that the IT Express course works”. self-confidence and interview techniques.

Greg had studied part-time at the Belfast Institute of Further “In fact I wouldn’t have the job I hold today if I hadn’t done the and Higher Education over a four-year period for an Advanced course and got the BT work experience,” says Greg summing up. Diploma and then a Higher National Diploma, only to find that these Three months after completing the course, Greg applied for the qualifications weren’t quite enough to secure the job he wanted position he now holds with BT. in the IT field. Greg’s course tutor, Ronan Small, commented: “The course Greg signed up for the course almost two years ago. As a single combination of taught modules and work placement seems to parent with a small son, he was delighted that support in the way have worked and the success has been great both for the centre of crèche facilities was also available. and students. To date, seventeen people have completed training, with four currently participating. Of those seventeen 10 - including The European Union funded IT Express project started two years Greg Hanna - have gained employment in the IT industry. Two have ago at the Oasis Centre in East Belfast to train unemployed people gone on to University to start computer degrees and two in areas of computer engineering. Students spend 12 months on 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 Ireland project has been Papenburg’ Award, that recognised. recognises excellence in cross border co-operation, It is also the first award of its has recently been awarded to kind to be presented for health cross border health and social and social care services. care partnership Co-operation and Working Together Speaking following the (CAWT). presentation of the award, Colm Donaghy, Director The award was presented by General of CAWT said, the Association of European “Cross border linkages Border Regions (AEBR) at between the two jurisdictions’ its recent annual conference health and social care sectors in Drama, Greece. are well established.

A variety of cross border “Management and staff have projects - 52 in total - been engaged in cross border were entered for the ‘Sail work since 1993, mainly of Papenburg’ award from a through cross border number of sectors including working groups: economic, social and infrastructure and culture. “It is wonderful to The judges selected CAWT have this recognition as the overall winner and and to be able to profile an innovative and effective model of how cross border CAWT as a successful co-operation can be planned model of cross border and implemented. co-operation in action.” This is the fourth year the ‘Sail of Papenburg’ award has been www.cawt.com presented and the first time that an Ireland / Northern PEACE INTERREG

24 Your EU! Spring 2006 Projects part-financed by the European Union Implementing Body News

ICBAN celebrates 10th Birthday!

The Irish Central Border of the region’s problems through ranging from software IIIA Programme, ICBAN Area Network (ICBAN) a cross border approach. Since design programme for special also secured monies for celebrated its tenth anniversary then there have been many needs training and educational infrastructure improvement in December with a celebration changes, and ICBAN has materials, to the eco tourism works, on roads and harbours, of their work at Lusty changed and grown to become Green Box initiative. We have and is active in policy areas such Beg Island. a dynamic, effective and also concentrated on traditional as cross border tourism and successful model for cross sectors too, and so we have the waste management. The total n attendance were border development. supported the 3rd level colleges funds levered into the region I representatives from in establishing Robotics by ICBAN over the last ICBAN’s 58 projects from Over the last three years, Engineering Centres in Sligo two years is €32 million. across Ireland/Northern Ireland; the organisation has been and and also funded The most important result Councillors of the ICBAN Board; particularly active as they were new processing equipment however, is the increased special guests Mary Bunting contracted to implement a large which will add value to shell cross border working, the and Joe Hayes, Joint Secretariat part of the INTERREG IIIA fish products at Errigal Fish new relationships and a joint of the North South Ministerial Programme. To date, they have in South Donegal. Dozens approach to overcoming Council and representatives offered funding for fifty-eight of jobs have been created shared problems. of ICBAN’s social partners from projects totalling over €21million. and business innovation across the voluntary, community and business growth have Coinciding with the and statutory sector. The projects are varied and been particularly significant”. 10th birthday celebration, meet the needs of many interest ICBAN’s redeveloped ICBAN was formed back in groups. Chairman Caillin Ellis, As well as delivering an website was launched. 1995 to try and address some “We have funded project important part of the INTERREG www.icban.com

Conference reviewed cross-border PEACE initiatives

Over 80 representatives Community Relations €576 million investment involved in cross-border Council and Special through the PEACE II European Union Peace and European Union programme. Reconciliation Programme Programmes Body it initiatives attended a was the fifth of seven Image: Jim Dennison (Director European one-day conference on events intended to highlight Programme), Duncan Morrow (Chief Executive Officer Community Wednesday 25 January. and discuss the impact Relations Council) and Pat Colgan Hosted jointly by the of the European Union’s (Chief Executive SEUPB).

Projects part-financed by the European Union Spring 2006 Your EU! 25 Project News

CAMERAS ROLL, for Louth, Newry & Mourne Film Commission

Launched in November last year, with a Newry screening of ‘Fiddlers Walk’, one feature television location management, the new Louth, Newry & Mourne the documentary planned documentary, part of a new Assistant Director Pat Nangle Film Commission, is making for Saturday, 10 June. Irish Feature Film ‘In Like and I can offer support with the good headway in drawing Flynn’, a BBC Northern Ireland fine detail of filming on location. production companies to the Your EU! spoke to Mairtín documentary ‘So you thought For example, we act as a single attractions of the beautiful region de Barra, Director of the Film you knew Cuchulainn’ and an contact for all enquiries relating around Carlingford Lough, Commission, to find out more Asda commercial. We are in to Council services in Louth thanks to support from the about the role of theCommission advanced discussions with two County Council and Newry European Union’s INTERREG that is also supported by Louth other projects which we hope & Mourne District Council, IIIA Programme. County Council and Newry will film here in the near future. including road closures, parking & Mourne District Council. issues, etc,” Mairtín reports. “We have put together a ‘14 Days in Great Britain’, “At this relatively early stage comprehensive package for There’s little doubt that future a documentary made by a of the project we are primarily producers with the support of tourism to the region can only Los Angeles based production focusing on strengthening local business and community. benefit from increasing the area’s company at locations throughout the Commission’s profile Our aim is to make it as attractive presence in television and Great Britain, was partially filmed throughout the industry with a as possible for them to come film programmes. in Newry. An exhibition of still range of marketing activities and and film in our region. We have photography from last summer’s building good relationships with compiled for their use lists of shoot will be on display in the media producers. To date, we local extras, hotels, locations Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in have received over 70 enquiries, and more. With our own Newry for a week in June (3-10) with one low budget feature film backgrounds in film and INTERREG

Image Above: Shooting on location arranged by the Louth, Newry & Mourne Film Commission.

Projects part-financed by the European Union 26 Your EU! Spring 2006 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.

“Not only is the training more accessible, but being local I knew most of the other participants which made the CROSS BORDER TRAINING environment more informal and friendly: it was less intimidating supported in Blackwater region than going somewhere else where you don’t know the people.”

Testament to its success, life-long learning and develop mountain leadership, to In addition, Mrs McGarrity said more than 320 local people skills, right in the heart of their conservation construction that she picked up some useful took part in a wide range own communities. It also skills that include dry stone tips for marketing her small of training courses offered enhances qualifications and walling, and from hospitality business and on managing during the first year of skills levels in the border region. management to IT business her finances from the business the Blackwater Regional Funding for the project has skills for SMEs. set up and advice talks given Partnership’s Human been received from the EU’s on the courses. “The course Resources and Re-skilling INTEREG IIIA Programme The project works in encouraged me to approach project funded by through the Irish Central Border partnership with the local local industry and businesses the European Union. Area Interreg IIIA Partnership college and other training to arrange special rates (ICBAN), with additional providers to run the courses for their business visitors The three-year cross border support form local councils. in local community centres. and to distribute more project provides rural people After training, participants promotional leaflets.” in the Dungannon, Armagh The wide choice of courses can arrange a meeting and Monaghan areas with offered for the second year with guidance services to opportunities to experience ranges from hill-walking and examine progression routes. 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

the border counties also displayed clinical symptoms Psychological legacy of suggestive of PTSD as a result of the Troubles. ‘The Troubles’ surveyed “What these findings tell us is that there is a proportion of people living in Northern A large-scale survey Belfast and the Department of Queen’s University School of Ireland and the six border examining the long-term Applied Psychology, University Psychology Senior Lecturer counties that have been psychological effects College Cork. The project was Dr Orla Muldoon directed the traumatised by The Troubles. of the Troubles found a funded by the European Union survey. She said the results considerable proportion Programme for Peace and showed the Troubles did have “The findings also show of the population experience Reconciliation through a significant effect on some that while The Troubles significant mental health Border Action. people’s lives: “One in have affected people in problems that they attribute 10 people reported post- Northern Ireland and the directly to the Troubles. Findings from the project’s traumatic symptoms that border counties, the effect survey were revealed at are suggestive of clinical of the conflict has not been The ‘Legacy of the Troubles: a conference in Armagh Post Traumatic Stress felt evenly across the Mental Health and Attitudes last November. Disorder (PTSD).” population - some have to Reconciliation’ was a cross suffered while others border collaborative research 3000 people from Northern It also found that PTSD was have not suffered at all,” project conducted by Ireland and the six border twice as common in Northern Dr Muldoon added. researchers from the counties of the Irish Republic Ireland than in the border School of Psychology were surveyed in 2004 counties: however, one at Queen’s University for the report. in 20 respondents from PEACE

support specialists The Meriden Programme. Initially, thirteen mental health professional staff and carers participated in Caring for Carers a ‘Training for Trainers’ course which provided them with the Support for carers of people affected by mental knowledge and skills jointly to run a carer support programme. illness has been provided thanks to funding assistance from Following on from this, two mental health professionals and the European Union Peace and Reconciliation Programme. two carers delivered a pilot carer support programme to twelve carers drawn from the Health Service Executive Twenty-five carers and mental health professionals have NW region. This pilot carer support programme benefited from specialist training and support received on is gradually being rolled out across the region. an innovative pilot-project run by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT) in association with mental health family 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.

Fiona Campbell, Projects 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, Manager with Newhaven Chairperson Shandon Park. Trust said that HATS II has been “an exciting and rewarding project Enhanced green spaces together to design and “To date we have to be part of. featuring interlinked pathways create two environmental completed work on the are part of the Newhaven improvement schemes. green area north of the “It brings people from both Trust’s Harmony in Action A strong working relationship border at Shandon Park, a cross border and cross Teams (HATS II) projects in was developed during community perspective the Newry/Dundalk border the HATS I project between providing much needed together to work in harmony area which are nearing communities of Damolly recreational and open to complete much needed completion, thanks to help /Shandon Park, Newry space for the entire facilities for their respective from the European Union. (perceived as predominantly community to use,” communities.” Protestant) and the Bay Estate, articipants from two Dundalk (perceived as commented HATS II P communities are working predominantly Catholic). Development Officer, INTERREG

Projects part-financed by the European Union Your EU! Spring 2006 29 Carers course helped Mae REAL LIFE INTERVIEWS

The first time my son was admitted When the course ended, we were divided into teams. I was selected

to hospital I knew I needed counselling to facilitate the ‘Cross-Border’ project with two ‘professional’ ladies “ and another ‘carer’. We delivered the pilot carer support programme of some sort. I enquired at the hospital to “ to twelve carers from Sligo Town, North Sligo/South Donegal, be told that there was nothing available. North Leitrim, West Cavan and Fermanagh. I nearly hit rock bottom. The course consisted of 11 evening sessions lasting two hours. The title of the last session was ‘Taking Care of Your Own Health’ Mae Kelly, Manorhamilton. 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 Mae Kelly cares for her son who suffers from from talking about their experiences and there’s not much opportunity Schizophrenia. Since his diagnosis nine years ago, to do so. Mae has learnt to accept each day as it comes. I believe that accepting my son’s illness was the start of the recovery 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 Here she reflects on her experience of the Caring for Carers to be a better wife and mother to my other children. Programme made possible by the European Union’s PEACE II funding through CAWT. Between reading self-help books and attending a few courses recommended by our community psychiatric nurse I started to get I accepted the invitation to join the training programme with much back on track. We were blessed to have had an excellent community apprehension. I was joining a group of 13 people comprising doctors, psychiatric nurse who spared no effort to keep our, or at least my, community psychiatric nurses, nurses and carers training to become 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. ‘playing field’ would level out, but soon found that while each person’s story and needs were different, we all had a common goal. 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 The course was very intensive and involved a lot of reading at home acquired a lot of information on the illness and on the system.” in the evening in preparation for the next day’s activities. However, it was well presented and I found the language easy to understand It makes such a difference to the way you cope with a situation and the enthusiasm and professionalism of each presenter like this. I really wish I’d had the benefit of a course like this early really motivating. 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, Ulsterbus passengers in Downpatrick now enjoy the improved facilities in the town’s new bus station. Translink’s District Manager in Downpatrick reports that He said that: “Not only is “The completion of this centre refreshment areas, cycle racks, regular passengers using the the new station great for local marks another milestone public toilets and a parent-and- station have told him often that customers, but it helps create in a programme of station baby room. Low- level ticket “It’s great to have a good impression of the town refurbishments and desks and an induction loop among the many visitors improvement.” for the hard of hearing are such modern and to Downpatrick. integral to the station and comfortable facilities Fully accessible and compliant CCTV helps reinforce now - a tremendous The 55-strong team of with the latest regulations on the safety message. improvement on the Ulsterbus staff based here disability access, Downpatrick’s are also pleased with their new bus centre offers covered small waiting area new canteen, shower area and departure stands, comfortable we had before.” recreation room.” He added: passenger waiting / PEACE

32 Spring 2006 Your EU! Projects part-financed by the European Union Project News

High-Tech visitor information Kiosks introduced

Innovative visitor Partnership that comprises and selected ports of information kiosks, eight local authorities entry including: Belfast unveiled at January’s which straddle the border. International Airport; Holiday World exhibitions The visitor information Belfast City Airport; in Belfast and Dublin, kiosks are an initiative under Mount Stewart, with funding from the a four-year strategy of cross Newtownards; Newcastle European Union’s border activity to develop Tourist Information Centre INTERREG IIIA Programme, tourism in the region. (TIC); Banbridge TIC; are the brainchild of the Lough Neagh Discovery East Border Region Easy to use, the multi-media Centre; Armagh TIC; The Tourism Partnership. kiosks provide visitors with Market House, Monaghan information on the region’s Town; Warrenpoint TIC; The state-of-the-art, tourist attractions, hotels, and at the Museum, interactive Information restaurants and more. Dundalk Town. Visitors at Belfast International Technology project has been airportVisitors use at Belfast the new International interactive developed by the innovative The new kiosks are to be informationAirport use thekiosks. new interactive information kiosks. cross border Tourism located at key tourist sites INTERREG Geographical Information to support better policy-making

A cross border project, Geographic Information European Union’s INTERREG Border counties of the supported by the European Systems (GIS) to government IIIA Programme through the Republic of Ireland to utilise Union’s INTERREG IIIA departments and state North West Region Cross the data and applications Programme, to help public funded bodies. Border Group. created by the Directorate bodies use geographical General Joint Research information for better policy- The project is being The purpose of the Spatial Council (DG JRC) of the making and strategic planning progressed through a cross Indicators Project is to create European Community, using was launched last November. border partnership including a local centre of excellence the MOLAND (Monitoring Ordnance Survey of Northern to encourage and assist Land Cover/Use Dynamics) he Spatial Indicators Ireland and Ordnance Survey government departments and methodology. T Project will introduce Ireland. It has been funded state funded bodies in the potential benefits of initially for three years by the Northern Ireland and the INTERREG

Projects part-financed by the European Union Spring 2006 Your EU! 33 Project News

Senior public health officials on both sides of the border are working together to develop Protecting our health cross border plans and policies for a variety of infectious diseases and other related health protection issues.

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 involved. Each also contains North West Area said, “This the spread of contagious was launched at the All Island comprehensive information cross border plan now provides diseases. Leaflets and posters Infectious Intestinal Disease to enable all partners to be us with greater preparedness in the border region urged conference. Safefood, the Food able to respond efficiently in the event of having to mange people to: Safety Promotion Board, was and effectively to a cross and control an outbreak which ■ Wash hands thoroughly also involved in its development. border outbreak of the impacts on both sides of ■ Cover your mouth and illness or disease.” the border.” nose when sneezing CAWT’s ‘Health Protection’ or coughing, and Project Manager, Joan At the launch of the plan for ‘Don’t spread infection ■ Avoid contact with McCaffrey, explains: “Each Legionnaires’ disease (a form - it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!’ others when ill. of these new plans defines the of pneumonia), Mags Moran, The ‘Health Protection’ project www.cawt.com roles and responsibilities of the Infection Control Manager from also recently launched an different statutory authorities the Health Service Executive initiative last October to reduce INTERREG

34 Spring 2006 Your EU! Projects part-financed by the European Union Project News Castlereagh students award The Corrs

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

Two Castlereagh College students (far left and right) present band The Corrs with special awards: a place in university.” Grace Lambe (Multimedia Student); , , , Caroline Corr and Laura McNaught (Multimedia Student). Commenting on the Entrepreneurship in Further Education Project, Mark Two students of Castlereagh They were part of a group funded project is managed by Brotherston, Castlereagh College in Belfast had a of students to make Corrs Castlereagh College through College Project Manager, memorable evening recently members beautiful specially Proteus (NI) Ltd. said: “The project challenge when they presented well- crafted awards in their classes. is to create an environment Commenting on the project Laura known band The Corrs with The students chose the band in which entrepreneurship McNaught said: “I found it to be special awards in the UTV as winners of their ‘Excellence flourishes and entrepreneurs a very rewarding and enjoyable studios ahead of the band’s in Entrepreneurship’ awards, become future employer and experience. To be given the appearance on the last ever in recognition of their writing employee. The future must chance personally to present Kelly Show. and performing talents. not only focus on fostering your work makes all the time and supporting entrepreneurship And all in connection with a The idea for the awards and effort used worth it!” in Northern Ireland, but also on college project funded by the was developed through the accelerating entrepreneurship European Union’s Programme ‘Entrepreneurship in Further College students Jackie in Further Education.” for Peace and Reconciliation. The Education Project’. Aimed at McMaster and Jill Quinn who two lucky students were Laura encouraging entrepreneurship attend the part-time Jewellery- McNaught and Grace Lambe. among students, the PEACE II making classes at the College, PEACE

Projects part-financed by the European Union Your EU! Spring 2006 35