Local partnerships work says Finance Minister

Stormont's Finance Minister Dr Seán Farren has highlighted the benefits of local partnerships.

Speaking during a visit to Lisburn Local Strategy Partnership’s offices on Wednesday May 8 Dr Farren said: “Partnership working and the development of Local Strategy Partnerships go much further than Peace II funding - they form part of the Executive’s vision for the way ahead.”

The Lisburn Local Strategy Partnership has 28 members. The social partners include two trade union, two farming, three business and seven community and voluntary representatives. The local government and statutory sectors include eight local councillors, and one representative each from LEDU, Down Lisburn Trust, Training & Employment Agency, SEELB, NIHE and PBNI.

Altogether the Lisburn Local Strategy Partnership will administer Peace II funding totalling £4.296 million.

Addressing an audience of members from the Partnership Dr Farren said: “One of the key issues considered by the Executive and the European Commission in developing the Peace II Programme was how to ensure the evolution of local partnership structures, which would be sustainable beyond the period of the new Programme.

“I know that the Lisburn Partnership has established the core principles of consulting and listening, working in partnership and promoting sustainability. These are essential elements to ensure that local people have a say in local decisions.”

Dr Farren praised the work of the Partnership and highlighted successful projects from Peace I, such as a pre-school group in Old Warren.

The Raggety Bap project received funding of over £16,000 to provide pre-school facilities and an outside play area for 20 local children.

(AMcE)