An initiative to build better relations in 30 mixed neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland will be launched today.
The three-year programme will support community organisations in their efforts to bring together people divided by the Troubles.
It is a main plank of Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie’s 'Shared Future' housing agenda to develop more cross-community developments in the region.
The project is being part funded (£698,000) by the International Fund for Ireland and will be managed by the Housing Executive.
Five housing areas have already committed to participating in the Programme - Springfarm in Antrim, Lissize in Rathfriland, Knockmore/Tonagh in Lisburn,
Gortview/Killybrack Close in Omagh and Ballynafeigh in Belfast - and it is hoped another 25 areas will sign on in the next two years.
As well as providing grants to community organisations, the scheme will offer training and practical on-the-ground support via a team of Housing Executive cohesion advisers.
Ms Ritchie said the time was right for more shared housing initiatives.
“The people of Northern Ireland want it,” said the South Down MLA.
“Eight out of ten people in the recent Life and Times survey highlighted that they would like to live in mixed areas.
“It is a very ambitious programme and the key to it for me, is that it will be community led. When I launched my New Housing Agenda earlier this year, I made it clear that I wanted to provide housing that would bring people together, not keep them apart.
“This remains a central theme in all my endeavours for housing and that is why I am delighted to help launch this programme, starting the first of many schemes.”
Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland Denis Rooney said: “Supporting and encouraging neighbourhoods where everyone in the community is valued and respected and where diversity is celebrated is fundamental to building lasting peace and a stable society in Northern Ireland.
“Good community relations is a major priority for the International Fund and we are pleased to have been able to work with the Housing Executive to develop this uniquely proactive approach to promoting shared neighbourhoods.
“The Shared Neighbourhood Programme acknowledges for the first time those communities who have been quietly working towards becoming genuinely shared spaces, often with little or no funding, and provides them with support to share their experiences, capture best practice and ensure that their work is sustained for future generations."
"Without the support of our international donors, the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we could not continue to fund programmes such as the Shared Neighbourhood Programme.”
Seamus Davis, chairman of Springfarm and District Community Association said he was proud his area was one of those leading the way.
“The programme recognises the expertise, leadership and good relations work that is already taking place within communities,” he said.
PA