Menu
04/10/2013
Peace Centre Funding Withdrawn
European Union funding of £18m for the peace centre at the former Maze prison has been withdrawn, after parties were unable to agree on the details surrounding the development.
The Special European Programmes Body said it had removed the financial support after consulting with the Office of the First and deputy First Minister.
They said they decided, after the talks, that the centre was no longer viable.
The decision to build a peace centre at the former Maze site has caused controversy from the off set, with many unionists claiming it would become a "shrine" to the republican prisoners who died on hunger strike in 1981.
Now, funding for the project has been withdrawn and will instead be put towards other developments either in Northern Ireland or on the border counties in the Republic.
DUP MEP Diane Dodds said:"This announcement by the SEUPB highlights the substantial sum of money to be reallocated to other projects across Northern Ireland. I welcome the desire to see this money stay in the Province rather than return to Europe.
"As MEP, I work alongside many groups who have great ideas but simply cannot access funds. These funds represent a real opportunity and over the coming days I will be continuing to lobby SEUPB to ensure this money is used to the maximum community benefit."
But Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn blamed the DUP for the decision.
"I am disappointed but not surprised that the Special European Programmes Body has withdrawn this funding," he said.
"The blame must be directed to the DUP and Peter Robinson, whose procrastination has led to this situation. It was a cowardly move by Peter Robinson to make this U-turn while he was in America. This example of weak leadership has now resulted in a major development opportunity being lost that would have created a large number of jobs and been a big boost to our struggling construction sector. The public deserves more than this type of petty politics.
"Northern Ireland now risks the possibility of losing £18m of investment as it will be difficult to redirect this money to other projects within the given time frame."
(IT)
The Special European Programmes Body said it had removed the financial support after consulting with the Office of the First and deputy First Minister.
They said they decided, after the talks, that the centre was no longer viable.
The decision to build a peace centre at the former Maze site has caused controversy from the off set, with many unionists claiming it would become a "shrine" to the republican prisoners who died on hunger strike in 1981.
Now, funding for the project has been withdrawn and will instead be put towards other developments either in Northern Ireland or on the border counties in the Republic.
DUP MEP Diane Dodds said:"This announcement by the SEUPB highlights the substantial sum of money to be reallocated to other projects across Northern Ireland. I welcome the desire to see this money stay in the Province rather than return to Europe.
"As MEP, I work alongside many groups who have great ideas but simply cannot access funds. These funds represent a real opportunity and over the coming days I will be continuing to lobby SEUPB to ensure this money is used to the maximum community benefit."
But Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn blamed the DUP for the decision.
"I am disappointed but not surprised that the Special European Programmes Body has withdrawn this funding," he said.
"The blame must be directed to the DUP and Peter Robinson, whose procrastination has led to this situation. It was a cowardly move by Peter Robinson to make this U-turn while he was in America. This example of weak leadership has now resulted in a major development opportunity being lost that would have created a large number of jobs and been a big boost to our struggling construction sector. The public deserves more than this type of petty politics.
"Northern Ireland now risks the possibility of losing £18m of investment as it will be difficult to redirect this money to other projects within the given time frame."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2024
The Evolution Of UX Design In The UK: From London To Northern Ireland
The UK presents a huge, dynamic landscape of UX design—from several cultures to economic trends and technological influences across regions. From London streets to more secluded innovation hubs in Northern Ireland, UX design dramatically changed with the needs and demands of multiple sectors.
The Evolution Of UX Design In The UK: From London To Northern Ireland
The UK presents a huge, dynamic landscape of UX design—from several cultures to economic trends and technological influences across regions. From London streets to more secluded innovation hubs in Northern Ireland, UX design dramatically changed with the needs and demands of multiple sectors.
25 September 2023
Alliance Commits To New Funding Proposals For Grassroots Sport
The Alliance Party has committed to bringing forward new funding proposals to support grassroots sports in Northern Ireland.
Alliance Commits To New Funding Proposals For Grassroots Sport
The Alliance Party has committed to bringing forward new funding proposals to support grassroots sports in Northern Ireland.
11 May 2017
Serious Concerns Raised For Schools In NI
Serious concerns have been raised for schools in Northern Ireland following a letter from the Department of Education with instructions that they must avoid planning to go into budget deficits.
Serious Concerns Raised For Schools In NI
Serious concerns have been raised for schools in Northern Ireland following a letter from the Department of Education with instructions that they must avoid planning to go into budget deficits.
13 July 2016
Over 50 Organisations To Benefit From £1.5m Funding
Over 50 organisations are to benefit from £1.5 million funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery.
Over 50 Organisations To Benefit From £1.5m Funding
Over 50 organisations are to benefit from £1.5 million funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery.
24 July 2003
£2m community group funding announced
Local voluntary and community groups are to benefit from £2 million funding announced by the government today. Social Development minister John Spellar said that the money would be donated to the Community Foundation's Endowment Fund and that this money would generate at least a further £2 million from other sources.
£2m community group funding announced
Local voluntary and community groups are to benefit from £2 million funding announced by the government today. Social Development minister John Spellar said that the money would be donated to the Community Foundation's Endowment Fund and that this money would generate at least a further £2 million from other sources.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Scattered showers at first, but these will gradually die out through the evening. Cloudy but mainly dry through the night, with the chance some showers in the south and west. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
