SEUPB News Feed

The SEUPB has Moved!

Louise Buckley — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:52:00 GMT

On Friday 15 January 2010 SEUPB's Belfast Office moved from the Gasworks to new premises on Clarence Street West, Belfast. Our contact numbers and email addresses remain the same, however our postal address is now:

Special EU Programmes Body
7th Floor
The Clarence West Building
2 Clarence Street West
BELFAST
BT2 7GP

Minister Wilson commends PEACE III funded cross-community work in North Belfast

Michelle Rea — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:49:54 GMT

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, recently visited North Belfast to view regeneration work at a local interface.

The work, being undertaken at Alexandra Park, is being taken forward by Groundwork Northern Ireland, assisted by almost £1million of European Union PEACE III funding.

The Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration Project, gives local community and statutory agencies the support needed to reduce sectarian attitudes in the interface area and cut the number of peace walls, murals, flags and painted kerb stones.

The Minister said: “As Finance Minister, I am responsible for the European Union’s PEACE III Programme in Northern Ireland. Beneficiaries of PEACE III funding, such as Groundwork NI, are engaged in vital work in many interface areas.

“Today I was able to witness at first hand how people from different communities are working together to create a shared space that can be enjoyed by all, irrespective of their background.

“In helping to regenerate Alexandra Park, people living within the Tiger's Bay and Newington Parkside area of North Belfast are challenging some of the root causes of sectarianism and in doing so, are improving the quality of life for themselves and future generations.

“This project allows local communities to have a real say in the future of their areas. Groundwork NI has ensured that residents in this part of the city have been fully involved in shaping the future of their own community.

“The project is also designed to ensure that the momentum of cross-community engagement will continue long after its completion, ensuring that lasting benefits will outlive the PEACE III Programme.”

Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body said: “This is an extremely worthwhile project and one that will help transform some of the areas within Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland most badly affected by the legacy of conflict. In focussing on building positive relations at a local level it will promote greater levels of tolerance, trust and equality. This lies at the heart of the PEACE III Programme as it works towards supporting reconciliation and creating a peaceful and more stable society.”

Sylvia Gordon, Director of Groundwork NI commented: "We are very grateful for all of the support and financial assistance we have received in helping this project to become a reality. Designed to transform specific areas that have been badly affected by conflict, the Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration project will help reduce or eliminate symbols of sectarian aggression. This is key if we are to support a culture of mutual respect and tolerance."

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson is pictured with Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body and Agnes Junk and Jackie Trainor, local representatives from Tigers Bay and Newington Parkside respectively.

EU PEACE III funded Communities Connect launches unique International exhibition

michellerea — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:50:25 GMT

The EU PEACE III funded Communities Connect project in the Dundalk Institute of Technology has announced the launch of a short series entitled Finding our Voices – the power of arpilleras and other forms of expression. The launch of the exhibition will be held on Tuesday 29 September 2009 at 6.30pm in the Dundalk Institute of Technology and will unveil a world famous Arpillera/quilt exhibition, a thought-provoking photographic exhibit, a rare art exhibition and a local, cross-community and international musical extravaganza.

This fascinating and unusual arpillera/quilt exhibition looks at the political repression in Chile and Peru through the eyes of Women – the sisters, wives, daughters and mothers of the ‘disappeared’ and how they stitched a message to the world whereby 'the needle and thread became mightier than the gun'. This is a unique opportunity to see these quilts which have been exhibited around the world and meet some of the quilters at the launch evening.

To celebrate forms of expression by people living in the cross-border region, the photographic material to be unveiled has been taken by two photographers from Northern Ireland and ranges from photographs of Eastern European Romany communities through to homeless people and various marginalised groups. The exhibit highlights how two people from different communities, who lived with the ‘Troubles’ as a backdrop to their lives, found their voice and a form of positive expression through photography.

The exhibition also offers a rare opportunity to experience artistic pieces of expression created by people from Protestant/Loyalist and Catholic/Nationalist traditions whilst serving prison sentences during the “Troubles” for their involvement in the conflict.

The Communities Connect Finding our Voices launch will lead into a short series of interconnected talks and workshops from 30 September – 8 October 2009 in the Dundalk Institute of Technology. The series will kick off with a talk and photographic display by Bill Rolston on the Murals in the north of Ireland and will follow on with workshops on Men and conflict, youTHink; an interactive youth day, an evening of Diversity whereby refugees haling from Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Kurdistan and Iran tell their stories through Drama and DVD, the launch of a disability awareness short film, the screening of a DVD of stories of families who lived through the “Troubles” in Belfast, a street theatre feast and an arpillera making workshop to name but a few of the exciting and innovative events of the series.

Communities Connect invites you to come along, hear others’ voices and find your voice.

For further information or to book a place on any of the events including the launch night, please contact the Communities Connect team at: 042 938 1734/087 9796130/ Johdi.quinn@dkit.ie

Please click here for more information on the project.

Please click here for more information on this event.

SEUPB announces extension to the deadline for applications to the INTERREG IVA Rural Development call

Michelle Rea — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:14:41 GMT

The deadline for applications to this call has been extended to 5.00pm on Friday, 30 October 2009(previously advertised as 5.00pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2009).

Applications are invited from operations which will deliver sustainable social and economic improvements in rural areas through strategic cross-border actions. Operations are expected to specifically target the regeneration of disadvantaged rural areas within the eligible region.

Applications may only be submitted through www.eugrants.org

Please click here for general information about the INTERREG IVA Programme.

For further information on the call under Priority 2, Theme 1 click here.

SEUPB announces new calls under PEACE III: Themes 1.1 Regional and 2.1

Michelle Rea — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:57:01 GMT

Today (01 September), the Special EU Programmes Body announces calls for applications under two themes in the PEACE III Programme. These are:

Priority 1 Reconciling Communities, Theme 1 Building Positive Relations at the Local Level - Regional Projects
Priority 2 Contributing to a Shared Society, Theme 1 Creating Shared Public Spaces

The call for applications under both themes will close on Friday 13 November 2009 at 5pm.

Applications may only be submitted through www.eugrants.org.

Please click here for general information about the PEACE III Programme.

For further information on the call under Priority 1, Theme 1 click Building Positive Relations at the Local Level - Regional Projects.

For further information on the call under Priority 2 Theme 1 click Creating Shared Public Spaces.

PEACE III provides opportunity for young people to be empowered

Michelle — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The award winning Youth Project at the Ely Centre - an initiative funded by the European Union through the PEACE III Programme is delighted to begin recruiting a team of young people to sit at the helm of its soon to be established youth committee.

This youth committee will be responsible for linking in with the outputs of the youth programme within the Centre and will be able to give their views on programmes, opportunities and direction of the Elohim Programme.

Full training and support from the Project’s Youth Team, Kellie Beacom & Olive Bustard and external facilitators is offered. Training will also entail trips away to visit other youth initiatives, venues of interest and exciting team building outings. This opportunity is open to 17-20 year olds and application forms are available by contacting the Ely Centre on (028) 66 320977 or calling into 60 Forthill Street, Enniskillen.

The Ely Centre has also reopened its Youth Resource Centre after its ‘make over’ and this resource is available to young people aged 16-25 years. Facilities include telly with full sky package, pool table and table tennis table, kitchen facilities, comfy sofas and internet access – new members are always welcome!

Other initiatives about to start from September include Driving Theory, First Aid, Peace & Reconciliation (OCN accredited), Mpower Me, a programme covering diet, budgeting, personal safety, leadership and self motivation etc, and workshops for CV preparation and interview skills. Of particular interest is a limited number of individuals will be supported in their aspirations to become a fitness instructors as the Ely Centre are funding the CYQ L1 Introductory Certificate to Exercise & Fitness Instructing at South West College. There is also a workshop for parents about how to assist teenagers with internet safety. As with all courses and programmes offered as part of the youth activity in the Centre it is free of charge.

These opportunities are financed by the European Union Programme for Peace & Reconciliation implemented by the CRC/Pobal Consortium (Theme 1.2 Acknowledging and Dealing with the Past-Strand 2 Support for Participation) on behalf of the SEUPB. Numbers are limited on all courses and in some instances an eligibility criteria applies. To register telephone Kellie or Olive on (028) 66 320977 or call into the Ely Centre for a friendly chat and coffee at 60 Forthill Street, Enniskillen (beside Kingston Carpets).

Young people involved in Formula Karting at the Ely Centre.

INTERREG IIIA funded SustainAndBuild.com is nominated for Environmental Award

michellerea — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:15:00 GMT

The Association of Public Service Excellence have announced, that the European Union INTERREG IIIA funded website ‘www.sustainandbuild.com’ has been selected as one of the top finalists in the “Best Environmental Initiative” category, in their prestigious 2009 Awards.

‘SustainAndBuild.com’ was launched in June 2008 and has proven to be a very useful and comprehensive database on sustainable development; it also promotes the development and economic regeneration of the East Border Region of Ireland through environmental best practice. The website, which has received substantial funding from the European Union INTERREG IIIA programme which was administered through the East Border Region INTERREG IIIA Partnership has been widely praised by the construction industry and environmentalists alike; it has been recognised for its innovative and practical approach by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, who proclaimed it as the Winner of the “NILGA Presidents’ Award for Sustainability”.

“We are now delighted to learn, from a total of 390 submissions from across the UK, the project has been short listed as one of the 8 finalists,” said John Dumigan, Chief Building Control Officer at Down District Council. The award winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner, on the evening of 10 September 2009 in Cardiff City Hall, Wales.

Additional information can be obtained from Down District Council, 24 Strangford Road, Downpatrick, phone +44 (0) 2844 610827 or e-mail sean.mcnulty@downdc.gov.uk or visit SustainAndBuild.Com

The SustainAndBuild.com launch

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS OPEN - INTERREG IVA PRIORITY 2.1: COLLABORATION: RURAL DEVELOPMENT

michellerea — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:55:00 GMT

Details of the latest Call.

A call for applications has been announced under Priority: Theme 1 of the INTERREG IVA Programme.

The call is being made under Priority 2: – Co-operation for a more sustainable cross-border region. This priority aims to improve access to services so as to improve the quality of life for those living in the eligible area.

The Theme within Priority 2 under which this call is being made is: Rural Development.

The Rural Development sub-theme has a particular focus on improving the socio-economic welfare of rural communities through collaboration across the eligible area.

Definitions of Rural
Although the eligible area for this Programme shares a similar rural landscape, the understanding of the actual term ‘rural’ is different within each of the three participating regions. A definition of ‘rural’ has been provided for each of the jurisdictions and it is important that you adhere to these in the development of your proposal.

For Northern Ireland, rural is defined as all those areas outside the statutory development limits of those settlements with a population in excess of 4,500 inhabitants.

For Ireland, rural is considered as all areas of the six Irish border counties excluding those towns listed as hubs and gateways under the National Spatial Strategy (Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo, Dundalk and Letterkenny towns)

In Scotland, 18% of the population falls into the eligible area. Rural is defined as settlements with a population of less than 3,000. However this is further differentiated by accessibility as Remote Rural (community with more than 30 min drive to nearest settlement of 10,000 or more) and Accessible Rural (community with 30 min or less drive to nearest settlement with population of 10,000 or more).

The Programme retains the flexibility to support projects located in more urban settings in cases where the projects will principally benefit rural communities. A robust case must be made in such circumstances to justify the consideration of such an application.

Detailed Criteria
The Criteria is as follows:

- The proposal must demonstrate how it will support the sustainable socio-economic development of disadvantaged rural communities through strategically focused cross border-actions;
- A comprehensive delivery plan should be developed for the proposal showing how it will be implemented and showing the planned timescale for delivery of the project;
- The proposal must show how it will adopt innovative approaches to enhancing the rural economy on a cross-border basis;
- The proposal should demonstrate clear and well defined complementarity to the Rural Development Programmes of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland;
- The impact of the project should be clearly stated. It should have the potential to make a major impact during and beyond the lifetime of the Programme to ensure the continuing development of the rural economy through cross-border activities;
- As the Rural Development theme of INTERREG IVA has a strong focus on targeting disadvantage, applicants must provide a full list of all District Electoral Divisions targeted in the border counties of Ireland and the Wards / Super Output Areas targeted in Northern Ireland, and Scotland if applicable.

Measuring Impact
The INTERREG IVA Programme is calling for strategic proposals which support the sustainable socio-economic development of particularly disadvantaged rural communities through strategically focused cross-border actions. In order to specifically measure the impact of this sub-theme and the projects funded by it, all applicants must incorporate a target for the number of people directly benefiting from their socio-economic project. Also, the applicants must describe the methodology they will use to monitor, measure and report against their stated target. Performance updates will be required twice per year during the funding period.

Capital Developments
Those proposals intending to undertake a capital development must be able to provide satisfactory evidence that the project will complete within the timeframe indicated in the application.

Obviously, those proposals which already have the necessary statutory approvals in place will be ready to proceed and more likely to complete within the Programme lifetime than those which do not.

Ineligible Activities
Funding will not be provided for:
- Applicants to operate small grants / open calls within the framework of their proposal;
- Food manufacturing / processing and direct agricultural activity;
- Preparation of business plans, marketing plans and research / feasibility studies.

Closing Date
The call for applications under the Rural Development sub theme will close at 5.00pm on Wednesday 30 September 2009. The closing date will be strictly adhered to. Applications will not be accepted after the published closing date.

For Further Information

For further information please contact:
Nuala Cormican (Programme Manager)
SEUPB, M:Tek Building
Armagh Road
Monaghan
+353 (0)47 77003

Eimear Murphy (Programme Manager)
SEUPB, EU House
6 Cromac Place
Belfast
BT7 2JB
+44 (0)28 90266683

Caroline Coleman (National Contact Point for Scotland)
Scotland Europa
150 Broomielaw
Atlantic Quay
Glasgow
G2 8LU
+44 (0)141 228 2202

Royal visit to EU INTERREG IIIA Funded Cross-Border Arts Project

Michelle Rea — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:03:00 GMT

Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh recently visited the new £2.2m purpose-built F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridge on the final engagement of their official three-day tour of the province. The Gallery received funding from the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA Programme.

The Queen and Prince Philip were here at the invitation of Banbridge District Council to view the gallery, which was opened in September 2008 as part of a joint INTERREG cross-border arts development project in partnership with the Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda.

Accompanied by Secretary of State Shaun Woodward and his wife Camilla, the Queen and Prince Philip were greeted by Major William Hall, Lord-Lieutenant of County Down.

“I am immensely proud that the Queen and Prince Philip have honoured us by coming here today to celebrate our success in completing this flagship project. Since 2003, we’ve been working closely with our partners in Drogheda Borough Council to deliver a dedicated visual arts space in each region. Both galleries, which contrast greatly in terms of architecture and design, have been completed to a very high standard and represent a crowning achievement for both local authorities,” commented Council Chairman Councillor Norah Beare.

Drogheda Borough Council Mayor Councillor Frank Maher thanked Banbridge District Council for organising the reciprocal visit and said, “It is wonderful to be here today and to see the recognition that the gallery and studio are receiving. Like the Highlanes Gallery, the F.E. McWilliam Gallery is a stunning showcase of cross-border co-operation, and Drogheda Borough Council is very proud to be associated with it. I am confident that both councils will continue to work together to help ensure the long-term success of both galleries.”

Keen to acknowledge the financial support awarded to the project, Banbridge District Council’s Chief Executive Liam Hannaway, said, “Along with Drogheda Borough Council, we received a total of €3.388m from the East Border Region INTERREG IIIA Partnership with monies drawn from the EU’s INTERREG IIIA Programme to provide both galleries. I am extremely grateful for this help, and in particular for the €2.18m awarded to the F.E. McWilliam Gallery. This funding has enabled us to provide a first-class facility at minimal cost to local ratepayers. Already well established as a lively centre for the arts offering a wealth of cultural and educational opportunities, I hope the Queen and Prince Philip agree that the gallery represents a sound investment in the local tourism infrastructure.”

Dedicated to the memory of Frederick Edward McWilliam - one of Ireland’s most influential and successful artists - the major new art gallery in Banbridge houses an internationally significant core collection of works bequeathed by the famous Banbridge-born sculptor’s family to his home town.

Among the delegation to meet the Queen and Prince Philip were Councillor Declan Breathnach Chairman of Louth County Council, Pat Colgan Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body, David Simpson MP MLA, Cllr John Hanna Chairman of the East Border Region and F.E. McWilliam’s daughter Sarah Gretton.

Cllr John Hanna who is also a member of Banbridge District Council expressed his delight at the Royals visit to the tremendous new facility, "I am delighted that this Gallery and Arts Centre is considered worthy of a Royal visit and we in the East Border Region and the SEUPB are truly delighted to be associated with such an innovative and exciting project".

The royal couple met a large gathering of local councillors and Council staff in the gallery’s restaurant where the Queen unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit.

Before departing, the Council Chairman thanked the Queen and Prince Philip for visiting the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio and paying Banbridge District Council and the people it serves the highest honour.

Her Royal Highness the Queen is greeted by East Border Region Chairman Cllr John Hanna, Chief Executive of the SEUPB Mr Pat Colgan and East Border Region INTERREG Programme Manager Mrs Dette Hughes at the recent Royal visit to the FE McWilliam Studio and Gallery, Banbridge.

FIRST LEVEL OF CONTROL IN TRANSNATIONAL AND INTERREGIONAL PROGRAMMES (INTERREG IVB AND IVC)

michellerea — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:33:00 GMT

The SEUPB held a seminar in the Dunadry Hotel, Antrim on 12 May, to allow all Northern Ireland partners in the European Union’s INTERREG IVB and INTERREG IVC Programmes to learn more about the reporting and control requirements from the programmes. Partners also learnt about the role of the Northern Ireland control authorities.

The SEUPB acts as First Level Control for all Northern Ireland partners in the transnational and interregional programmes and this event, which was supported by the INTERACT programme (a European funded training initiative for co-operation projects and programmes) provided the opportunity to introduce the main requirements at European and national levels. The seminar also included a workshop which guided project partners through the process of managing the financial side of their project and claim money.

The seminar was attended by almost 60 people from the 19 approved projects that are currently operating under the INTERREG IVB and IVC programmes in Northern Ireland.

For further information go to the First Level of Control information in the INTERREG IVB and IVC section of the website.

Pictured are: Back row left to right: Niall Smyth – National Controller SEUPB, Adrian McNamee – Managing Authority Director SEUPB, Ian Hill - NWE UK Contact Point, Robin Ramsey – European Division DFP. Front row left to right: Teresa Lennon – Programme Manager SEUPB, Kirsti Mijnhijmer – Secretariat Northern Periphery, Katarzyna Pelc – INTERACT, Heather Silcox – UK Contact Point Atlantic Area