Over a million in funding has been awarded to community groups across Derry to "divert young people away from the threat of paramilitary recruitment", it has been announced.
The International Fund for Ireland is putting the cash into a total of eight projects run by various charity and community organisations across the North West, including three spanning both Derry and Donegal.
Chair of the IFI, Paddy Harte, said: "Unfortunately, we have seen the threat of paramilitary recruitment and antisocial behaviour persist in many communities."
Across the North West, the groups to receive funding are HURT, Maghera Cross-Community Link, Roe Valley Residents' Association, Catalyst, AGD Gwedore and Waterside Theatre Project, Rathmullan The Way Forward CLG and Enterprise Causeway Limited, and Northwest Cultural Partnership.
Mr Harte continued: "In the last year, the IFI’s programmes have included specialised interventions to divert young people away from the threat of paramilitary recruitment. In 2022, 23,033 participants took part in accredited training, education, and capacity building programmes, delivered by IFI funded projects.
“Projects funded across our four core programmes have been working hard to support local communities who are struggling. The cost-of-living crisis has put a significant financial burden on people, add to that a general lack of investment in some communities and ongoing tensions relating to the recent Windsor Framework and ongoing political instability, and you can see why this support is so vital."
He continued: “This latest round of funding further demonstrates the wide range of support offered by IFI funded projects, tailored to specific needs of a particular community. From engaging at risk young people, to delivering conflict transformation initiatives, delivering important employment, and training opportunities to working in hard-to-reach areas struggling with paramilitary and coercive control."
Mr Harte added: "In this important year, as we reflect on the achievements and challenges which the IFI has faced since the signing of the Good Friday/ Belfast Agreement in 1998, we must also consider how we ensure that the next twenty-five years sees those communities which the IFI supports fully realise the dividends of the Peace Process."
READ NEXT:
- Armagh vs Derry: GAA bosses confirm Ulster final ticket situation with 'no tickets going on general sale'
- Meet the Derry natives helping to champion the Maiden city in the USA
- Excitement builds as Derry Mayor’s Super Car Saturday event returns to Guildhall Square
- Professor Brian Cox announces return to Northern Ireland with number of local theatre shows
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
