The International Fund for Ireland today launched a new five year campaign to promote reconciliation in the North which will see €36 million invested in cross community projects in 2006.
The launch of the five-year strategy, entitled "Sharing this Space", signifies a switch in emphasis in the Fund's work from economic development to reconciliation between the two communities in the North and fostering closer cross-border links.
Speaking at the launch of the document today the fund's chairman Denis Rooney said "While we recognise that significant, economic and social changes have already taken place , the board of the fund believes that much remains to be done in continuing to build a strong and vibrant society within the peaceful environment in which we can all live and work."
Since its inception in 1986 the fund has invested over €720 million in seed capital in more than 5,000 small business projects resulting in the creation of some 39,000 jobs, according to the fund's own estimates. When other donations are factored in with the seed capital amounts the total amount of capital raised as a result of the fund rises to over €1.2 billion.
Mr Rooney was non-committal on the future of the fund after 2010 as the peace dividend from the peace process may render such special case funding redundant.
The US, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have all contributed to the Fund's work in the North and Southern border countries.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern welcomed the funds change in focus
"The fact is that the needs of the North and border counties have changed substantially and for the better since 1986 — not least in economic terms. Reconciliation and cross-border links are the new priority and I'm pleased to see that the Fund is addressing these through this strategy."
Minister Ahern also welcomed the Fund's focus on youth. "The Fund's legacy will be the extent to which it has helped open the eyes of children and young people to the possibilities for a better future," he said.