'Important Year For Interface Areas', Says Minister

2012 has been marked as an important year for people living in so called ‘interface’ areas across Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister David Ford has pledged his support to the momentum around the removal of interfaces in the country.

Speaking at a conference in Ballymena hosted by the Community Relations Council for those involved in interface areas.

David Ford said he believed 2012 is an important year for those living at interfaces, pointing to the forthcoming publication of the Executive’s Programme for Government, with its Cohesion Sharing and Integration Strategy, and the Department of Justice’s Community Safety Strategy.

He said: "I believe this is a particularly important year for those living at interfaces. There is an increasing interest and willingness to embrace change but people need and deserve the support of Government. These strategies will set the framework for providing that support."

The Draft Programme for Government contains a commitment dealing specifically with interfaces. The Department of Justice will lead on its delivery but the Minister is clear that the emphasis is on communities.

David Ford continued: "We have seen progress at Alexandra Park and Newington Street. These were positive steps forward and whilst I acknowledge that challenges lie ahead, I hope we can build on those developments.

"Change has been led by the communities. That is how it should be. I am committed to ensuring that Government is ready, willing and able to support in anyway it can.

"That is why I have established an Inter-agency Group, made up of Government Departments and key statutory agencies, to respond to community requests for change as well to help communities envisage a future without these structures."

(LB)