Peace centres receive funding boost
Three peace centres in counties Wicklow, Donegal and Antrim today received a boost from the International Fund from Ireland as it announced a package of financial support for their activities.
The Glencree Centre for Reconciliation in Wicklow, An Teach Bán Centre for Peace Building in Downings, Donegal and the Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle, Antrim have received plaudits for their work in fostering peace and reconciliation in Ireland.
The International Fund for Ireland has allocated a grant of € 361,000 to An Teach Bán for the expansion of its facilities, as well as €168,000 to Glencree and €186,000 to Corrymeela for programmes to train peace workers and community volunteers.
Today’s announcement followed a meeting of the Board of the International Fund in Co Louth, which was attended by representatives of the US, Australian and New Zealand governments, as well as the European Union.
It was the first meeting for the Fund’s new chairman Mr Denis Rooney, who has replaced Mr Willie McCarter.
“All three of these groups have made a huge contribution to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland,” said Mr Rooney.
The International Fund for Ireland was established by the Irish and British governments in 1986 to promote economic and social advance and to encourage contact dialogue and reconciliation between unionists and nationalists throughout Ireland.
In 2004, the Fund provided over €36m for development and reconciliation projects throughout Northern Ireland and border counties in the Republic.
