Two community based initiatives in Louth to receive over €300,000 funding

Two Louth based initiatives are to receive a funding boost of over €300,000 through the International Fund for Ireland(IFI) in the latest funding package.

Ait na nDaoine in Dundalk has been awarded €177,782(£148,152) for a 21 month project in the town, working with disaffected republicans, young people, families and local residents in an area long associated with displaced people, republicanism, dissident activity, criminality and high levels of deprivation, all significantly related to the conflict.

The project will include capacity building, addressing the past, developing a stakeholders group, the creation of a women’s group, working with the youth, and cross community and cross-border activities.

Ardee and District Community Trust has been awarded €140,000(£116,667) for an 18 month project in Mid Louth. The primary aim of the project is to support at risk local young people and challenge the culture of silence and control in the area by paramilitary organisations.

The project will support groups involved to develop their capacity and their relationship and to facilitate the development of comprehensive youth and community support services and infrastructure.

Paddy Harte, the new Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland says:

“The biggest challenge we are currently facing is uncertainty and the fear of the unknown.

“Tensions are increasing across Northern Ireland and the southern border counties, and some communities are certainly feeling more polarised than ever without those political structures in place.

“Despite the enormous progress that has been made in recent years, the current political impasse and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, along with growing tensions within some communities are all playing directly into the hands of those intent on inciting violence and radicalising young people through paramilitary recruitment.

“It is essential to maintain momentum in peace building across the island of Ireland. The Fund has never shied away from difficult conversations and is the only organisation that can effectively address the challenges surrounding sustainable peace on this island.

“Whilst communities in Northern Ireland may feel frustrated and abandoned by the political process, we are fully committed to delivering stability and opportunity.

“The IFI will continue to engage in marginalised communities and put a sharp focus on improving cross-border relationships in order to address legacy issues and achieve positive and lasting transformation.”

Briege Elliman, Board of Directors Ait Na nDaoine said:

“We have recently secured funding from IFI we are in the process of advertising the two positions Full time Project Manager and Part time Admin / project worker.

"The funding is for the Invictus Project, which will assist people to take ownership of their community, build peace in the community and encourage the community to get involved and start planning for a better future. 

"We the Board of Management are delighted to receive this funding and look forward to seeing the results of this investment and the positive effects on the community.”

Damien McKenna Programme Coordinator with Ardee and District Community Trust added:

“Our project provides a much need service in the mid Louth area through inter-generational work as well as working with young people, community/parenting groups and the LGBTI+ community.

"The continued support from the IFI allows us to make a difference. We plan to extend our youth service as well as build new community initiatives and aim to build cross-border and cross-community relationships to help residents understand the impact of The Troubles from a more rounded perspective.”

Further information about all the beneficiaries from the International Fund for Ireland’s latest funding package is available at the International Fund for Ireland’s website: www.internationalfundforireland.com