An innovative new cross-border project has been awarded €252,000 in funding by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).
The Coasts, Hills and Glens – Connecting Communities project is led by a partnership between Rathmullan the Way Forward CLG and Enterprise Causeway. The first cross-border meeting took place at Rathmullan House this week.
The Coasts, Hills and Glens – Connecting Communities project sets out to connect coastal, rural and border communities and development groups that share similar development interests north and south. The project will connect and build new relationships between the people who are involved in community projects in each area. Projects include rural regeneration, cultural heritage promotion, tourism development, environmental protection, local schools, social enterprises and the residents of community areas right along the North Atlantic coastline.
The project is being led by Rathmullan The Way Forward CLG an innovative development group in its own right and a group that is the catalyst behind the ambitious Rathmullan Community and Heritage Regeneration Project in partnership with Donegal County Council.
Pictured at the launch of the Rathmullan the Way Forward project were (L-R) Stephen Barrett (IFI), Shaun Kennedy, (Enterprise Causeway) ; Claire Heaney-McKee, (RTW), John Gallagher, (RTWF), Mick McGlynn, (RTWF),
Jayne Taggart, (Enterprise Causeway) and Shauna Irons, (Enterprise Causeway). (NW Newspix)
.
The group’s partner, Enterprise Causeway is an award- winning social enterprise based in Coleraine who are also leading a transformational community regeneration project at Bushmills Courthouse. Enterprise Causeway support area-development groups, volunteers and committees in communities right across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
Speaking at the first meeting of cross-border committee that will oversee the projects implementation, Mick McGlynn, Chairperson of Rathmullan the Way Forward said ‘we are delighted to have secured €252,000 of funding from the International Fund for Ireland which is a great vote of confidence in the development work which are doing here in Rathmullan and our approach to community-led regeneration. Our approach to development is inclusive and everyone in the community has the opportunity to get involved in our voluntary work and the area’s development. We recognise the significant value of building further cross-border and cross-community connections between communities in Donegal and the Causeway Coast and Glens area. In leading the project our aim is that it will open up opportunities for both our committee and for other community groups across Donegal.’
Pictured at the launch of the Rathmullan the Way Forward project were (L-R seated) John Gallagher, RTWF; Jayne Taggart, Enterprise Causeway & Mick McGlynn, RTWF while standing are Stephen Barrett, IFI; Shauna Irons, Enterprise Causeway; Claire Heaney-McKee, RTWF; Shaun Kennedy, Enterprise Causeway. (NW Newspix)
.
Jayne Taggert, Chief Executive of Enterprise Causeway said, ‘we are very excited about the opportunities that this Coasts, Hills and Glens project will provide to our communities, volunteers and committees right across the Causeway Coast and Glens area. We also look forward to showcasing the innovative work which is underway at the Bushmills Courthouse project and to unlocking the potential of many other development initiatives across the Borough. The project will bring people from both areas together to support their ideas, their ambitions and to support their development projects.’
The Coasts, Hills & Glens Project is one of a series of new projects being funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s (IFI) under the organisations new Communities in Partnership Programme (CIPP) and will building meaningful and lasting connections between innovative development groups and social enterprises in community areas north and south.’
Tags: