DSD invests £56m in disadvantaged communities

Some of Northern Ireland’s most deprived communities are to benefit from an investment of £56 million over the next three years, the Minister for Social Development Minister, John Spellar, announced today.

Speaking on Friday Mr Spellar said the investment was aimed at regenerating the 32 areas of greatest disadvantage across Northern Ireland.

Over the three years, the £56 million will be directed towards projects that best meet the criteria set out in the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.

This includes £14.4m which is required to meet existing commitments in Neighbourhood Renewal areas. Short term funding is also being provided to some key organisations that can provide vital services to local communities and they will be notified shortly.

“We are processing more than 500 expressions of interest for interim Neighbourhood Renewal funding (Phase II),” the Minister said. “This volume of interest is a firm indicator that communities are committed to regenerating their neighbourhoods. “However, we must target resources as effectively as possible if we are to help break the cycle of social and economic deprivation experienced by many neighbourhoods.”

The Minister acknowledged the need for Government to develop genuine partnerships with people in the target neighbourhoods and other key stakeholders to drive forward renewal.

He added: “This will involve consultation with local communities to identify their priorities, working with them to deliver results that make a real difference long term to people’s lives.

“There is a need to co-ordinate action to reduce inequalities within and between communities. This requires substantial commitment and funding from a range of other Departments and agencies.”

(MB/SP)