good relations strategy 2007 - 2009 - newry and mourne democratic unionist party councillors ......
TRANSCRIPT
NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Good Relations Strategy
2007 - 2009
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 2
INDEX
Section
Page
1
Acknowledgements 3
2
Foreword 4
3
Council Context 5
4 Good Relations Context
7
5
Strategy Context 13
6
Development of the Strategy 18
7
The Strategy Framework 22
Appendices
A
Indicative Action Plan 25
B Consultees
36
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 3
1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Newry and Mourne District Council would like to thank all of the local
organisations, agencies and individuals who have contributed their views,
knowledge and expertise to producing this strategy. In particular, Council would
wish to thank all those who attended focus groups and meetings in regard to the
development of the strategy. We value and appreciate the input of all those who
participated.
Thanks are also due to the many local groups who took part in the postal survey
and participated in public meetings. Your experiences and insights have
broadened the Council’s understanding of Good Relations in the District and have
greatly enriched the resulting strategy.
Finally, the Council acknowledges the commitment shown by many organisations
to delivering Good Relations in the area and looks forward to continuing to
partner with local groups and agencies for the benefit of the Newry and Mourne
District.
____________________ _________________ Councillor Michael Carr Mr. Thomas McCall
Mayor Clerk March 2007.
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 4
2. Foreword by the Community Relations Unit (OFMDFM)
Conflict and violence between and within communities in Northern Ireland has left a profound legacy. It is clear that we need to move from relationships based on mistrust and defence to relationships rooted in mutual recognition, tolerance and respect. We need to create a Northern Ireland that is peaceful, inclusive, prosperous, and stable; a society that is founded on partnership, equality and greater sharing. In order for that transformation to take place we need to create dialogues to encourage communication, tolerance and trust across Northern Ireland; dialogues that seek to resolve issues that give rise to division. This is a key concept of "A Shared Future, The Policy and Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland', which was launched on 21 March 2005 by way of a Written Ministerial Statement to the House of Commons. A Shared Future outlines the fundamental principles and aims which underpin how all of us, government, local authorities, civic society, can work together to bring about the best shared future between and within communities. While actions to promote good relations between and within communities in Northern Ireland will be driven forward by central government under the auspices of the Good Relations Panel; transformation of local communities requires action at the local level. The civic leadership role of councils will be formally enhanced by the establishment of a permanent programme for the promotion of good relations to be delivered through district councils. In line with this, the Good Relations and Reconciliation Division in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister congratulate Newry and Mourne District City Council for developing this Good Relations strategy which through its four main themes of: mainstreaming, engagement, BME community and Symbolism aims to create opportunities to understand and resolve the issues, which have long divided elements of the Northern Ireland society. This strategy enables the consideration of good relations as part of the daily focus of staff throughout the council and places good relations as a central theme in their delivery of services. Good Relations & Reconciliation Division Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
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3. COUNCIL CONTEXT
3.1 The make up of the Council is:
12 Sinn Féin Councillors (SF)
9 Social Democratic and Labour Party Councillors (SDLP)
2 Ulster Unionist Party Councillors (UUP)
2 Democratic Unionist Party Councillors (DUP)
2 Independent Councillors
1 Independent Republican
1 UK Independence Party
1 Green Party Councillor
3.2 The membership of Newry and Mourne District Council is:
Sinn Fein Social Democratic and Labour Party Cllr C Burns Cllr M Carr Cllr C Casey Cllr M Cole Cllr B Curran Cllr G Donnelly Cllr A Flynn Cllr J Feehan Cllr T Hearty Cllr F Feely Cllr M Mathers Cllr J McArdle Cllr M Murphy Cllr K McKevitt Cllr T Murphy Cllr J O’Hara Cllr JP McCreesh Cllr G Stokes Cllr PJ McDonald Cllr P McGinn Democratic Unionist Party Cllr M Ruane Cllr W Burns
Cllr G Oliver Ulster Unionist Party Cllr IB Hanna Independent Cllr TD Kennedy Cllr J Patterson
Cllr AV Williamson Green Party Cllr C Mussen Independent Republican
Cllr M Connelly UKIP Cllr H Reilly
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
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3.3 Good Relations Officers
Newry and Mourne District Council has two Good Relations Officers:
(i) Sonya Burns – External Good Relations Officer
(ii) Heather McKee – Internal Good Relations Officer
If you wish to find out more about Newry and Mourne District Councils Good
Relations Strategy or about any of the issues to which it relates, please feel free to
contact Heather or Sonya at:
Newry and Mourne District Council
Monaghan Row
Newry
BT35 8DL
Tel: 028 30 31 30 31
Email: [email protected] or
Website: www.newryandmourne.gov.uk
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
4 GOOD RELATIONS CONTEXT
4.1 Introduction
Newry and Mourne District Council has its administrative headquarters in Newry
city and provides local government to the Newry and Mourne District. The
District covers 910 sq miles with the old historic town of Newry, which is the
Gateway to the North on the East Coast of Ireland, nestling between two areas of
outstanding natural beauty which are the splendid Mountains of Mourne in South
Down and the Ring of Gullion in South Armagh.
Much of the District is rural although, apart from Newry itself there are a number
of sizeable villages and towns including Crossmaglen, Bessbrook,
Newtownhamilton, Warrenpoint, Rostrevor and Kilkeel. The Council area borders
on neighbouring Councils of Down, Armagh,
Craigavon and Banbridge.
The Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure
2005 published in May 2005 shows that 25% of the
Newry and Mourne population live in the most
deprived Super Output Areas in Northern Ireland. In
January 2007 unemployment in the District was
2.1% compared to the Northern Ireland average
of 3.1%.
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Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
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4.2 Demographics
On Census Day 29th April 2001 the resident population of the Newry and Mourne
District was 87,058. This represented 5.2% of the population of Northern
Ireland. Of this population:
26.6% were under 16 years old and 15.7% were aged 60 and above;
49.5% of the population were male and 50.5% were female;
The age composition of the population is slightly younger than that of Northern Ireland as a whole
There is marginally lower than average population density with 0.96 people per hectare.
75.9% were from a Catholic Community Background and 16.4% were from a 'Protestant and Other Christian (including Christian related) Community Background (see Figure 4a).
Like many other Districts the population is growing and by June 2005 it was
91,572 with a projection that by 2017 the population of Newry and Mourne
District will be 100,098.
Figure 4a
% Religious Mix Newry and Mourne and N.Ireland - 2001 Census
0.11
7.62
40.26
0.30
16.38
75.89
13.88
45.57
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
Catholic Protestant and OtherChristian
Other religions andphilosphies
None Stated
% o
f tot
al p
opul
atio
n
Newry and Mounre Northern Ireland
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
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As can be seen in Figure 4a Newry and Mourne District has a majority of its
residents identifying as being from a Catholic background. Looking at previous
census data there is an indication that the % Protestant population is declining
over time.
Ward level analysis from the 2001 Census provides evidence (%) of the differing
religious dynamics that characterise the Newry and Mourne District (see figure
4b).
Percentage of persons stating current religion as:
All persons Catholic1
Presbyterian Church in
Ireland
Church of Ireland
Methodist Church in
Ireland
Other Christian
Other religions
and philosophies
Percentage of persons with no religion or religion not
stated
Newry and Mourne 87058 75.89 9.47 4.20 0.41 2.30 0.11 7.62 Annalong 3048 39.93 26.28 17.42 0.92 5.45 0.13 9.88 Ballybot 2136 90.87 1.22 0.51 - 0.42 0.14 6.84 Bessbrook 2419 60.36 14.63 12.77 3.02 1.65 - 7.57 Binnian 2753 46.20 27.03 8.39 - 11.30 0.15 6.94 Burren and Kilbroney 3324 90.40 1.62 1.20 0.15 0.66 0.09 5.87 Camlough 2889 92.35 0.31 0.21 - 0.21 0.10 6.82 Clonallan 3984 85.09 2.01 2.51 0.50 1.53 0.23 8.13 Creggan 2544 89.82 2.08 0.31 0.12 0.16 - 7.51 Crossmaglen 2443 91.20 - 0.12 - 0.12 - 8.56 Daisy Hill 3091 89.19 0.23 0.23 - 0.55 0.39 9.41 Derryleckagh 3870 84.26 4.01 2.17 0.70 1.24 0.23 7.39 Derrymore 2946 83.44 2.41 2.99 0.27 0.92 - 9.98 Donaghmore 2944 59.44 24.01 4.82 1.05 5.06 - 5.60 Drumalane 2894 90.22 0.48 0.21 - 0.38 0.24 8.47 Drumgullion 3027 84.04 3.11 1.78 0.73 0.96 0.17 9.22 Fathom 2802 93.86 0.14 0.36 - 0.25 - 5.39 Forkhill 2845 91.78 0.11 0.21 - 0.49 - 7.42 Kilkeel Central 3565 21.35 45.53 16.44 0.17 6.73 0.08 9.71 Kilkeel South 2858 55.56 24.35 9.73 0.24 3.22 0.10 6.79 Lisnacree 2557 61.13 21.63 3.44 0.16 6.41 0.16 7.08 Mayobridge 2986 81.51 7.70 1.41 0.10 3.58 - 5.69 Newtownhamilton 2415 60.54 17.18 9.32 - 4.51 - 8.45 Rostrevor 2611 85.18 2.95 2.64 0.34 0.80 0.42 7.66 Seaview 3109 84.53 2.54 3.89 0.23 1.29 0.13 7.40 Silver Bridge 2924 94.15 0.21 0.10 - 0.27 - 5.27 Spelga 2763 80.31 9.66 1.38 - 1.88 - 6.77 St Mary's 2350 86.00 0.64 1.06 0.13 0.26 0.13 11.79 St Patrick's 3444 88.79 1.95 1.80 0.61 0.96 0.09 5.81 Tullyhappy 2595 49.67 26.59 9.44 1.35 5.70 0.19 7.05 Windsor Hill 2924 67.68 12.11 8.28 1.33 2.09 0.10 8.41
Figure 4b: Religious Profile of Wards in Newry and Mourne District: 2001 Census
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 10
At the time of the 2001 Census there were only a very small number of ethnic
minorities recorded as living in the District (Figure 4c) although the numbers of
ethnic minorities currently residing in the District is believed to be much higher
given the incoming numbers of migrant workers.
Ethnicity/Background Numbers
White 86,543
Irish Traveller 239
Mixed 93
Indian 15
Pakistani 21
Bangladeshi 3
Black Caribbean 9
Black African 11
Other Blacks 8
Chinese 93
Other Ethnic Group 22
Figure 4c: Ethnicity of Newry and Mourne District: 2001 Census
Of 512 registered migrant job seekers in Northern Ireland in June 2006 only
26 were registered in Newry and Mourne.1 Across Northern Ireland nearly half
(46%) of all migrant jobseeker callers came from Poland with Portuguese (16%)
making up the next largest group. Lithuanians (9%) and Slovaks (8%) were also
well represented in the sample.
4.2 Electoral Representation
Newry and Mourne District Council has thirty elected members spread across the
five electoral districts of Crotlieve, Fews, Newry Town, Slieve Gullion and The
Mournes (figure 4d)
1 Source: DEL Migrant Workers Survey June 2006
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Figure 4d
Representation on Council since the current local government arrangements came
into place in 1973 is reflected in Figure 4e2.
Figure 4e
However the current political make-up of the Council (2005 -2009)3 is as shown
in Figure 4f.
2 Source: www.ark.ac.uk3 Source: www.ark.ac.uk
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Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
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Party Seats % share of vote 2005 LG elections
Sinn Féin 12 40%
SDLP 9 29.5%
Ulster Unionist 2 6.7%
Democratic Unionist 2 6.7%
Independent 3 10%
Green Party 1 3.3%
UK Independence Party 1 3.3%
Figure 4f
Councillor representation for the five electoral districts is as follows:
Crotlieve - Cllr K McKevitt (SDLP), Cllr M Carr (SDLP), Cllr M Murphy (SF),
Cllr M Ruane (SF), Cllr J O’Hara (SDLP), Cllr AV Williamson (Ind), Cllr C
Mussen (Green)
Fews - Cllr J Feehan (SDLP), Cllr TD Kennedy (UUP), Cllr T Murphy (SF), Cllr
JP McCreesh (SF), Cllr G Oliver (DUP), Cllr P McGinn (SF)
Newry Town - Cllr B Curran (SF), Cllr F Feely (SDLP), Cllr M Mathers (SF),
Cllr C Casey (SF), Cllr J McArdle (SDLP), Cllr G Stokes (SDLP), Cllr J
Patterson (Ind)
Slieve Gullion - Cllr G Donnelly (SDLP), Cllr A Flynn (SF), Cllr PJ McDonald
(SF), Cllr T Hearty (SF), Cllr C Burns (SF)
The Mournes - Cllr WJ Burns (DUP), Cllr M Cole (SDLP), Cllr IB Hanna
(UUP), Cllr M Connelly (Ind Republican), Cllr H Reilly (UKIP)
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
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5 STRATEGY CONTEXT
5.1 Strategic Developments
Following a review of Good Relations in 1987, Government introduced the
District Council’s Community Relations Programme (DCCRP). Since then
Councils in Northern Ireland, including Newry and Mourne, have delivered a
Community Relations Programme designed to promote better relations within and
between communities of differing religious and political perspective.
In 2000 new statutory duties (reflecting the Northern Ireland Act 1998) were
introduced for all public sector bodies in Northern Ireland. Section 75(ii) of the
Act places a duty upon public bodies, including Councils, to:
“have due regard to the desirability of promoting Good Relations between persons
of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.”
From that time the remit of Community Relations has expanded to include race
relations and over a period of time the term Community Relations, within
Councils, has gradually been supplemented or replaced by the term Good
Relations.
Following a review of the DCCRP the Office of the First and Deputy First
Minister have announced their intention to replace the DCCRP with a new “Good
Relations Challenge Programme.” The new programme is being developed to take
account of the changing political, religious and racial context of Northern Ireland
and to recognise policy and legislative changes including:
Race Relations Order (NI) 1997
Northern Ireland Act 1998
“A Shared Future” (Policy Framework for Good Relations)
Racial Equality Strategy 2005
Government’s Triennial Good Relation Action Plan 2006 – 2009
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
5.2 Background to Community/Good Relations in Newry and Mourne
Newry and Mourne District Council first became a participant in the District
Councils Community Relations Programme in 1990. Since then Newry and
Mourne District Council has delivered a programme that has sought to enhance
relations within and between the communities of Newry and Mourne. Community
Relations/Good Relations staff have been employed throughout this time. Their
role has been to work closely with other statutory agencies and with the local
community and voluntary sector to achieve Good Relations goals.
The Council has endeavoured to provide a programme aimed at allowing
communities to examine Good Relations issues and at bringing the
community together through the provision of opportunities to examine
the wide cultural diversity which exists in the District. The programme
has led to:
• The establishment and support of Good Relations groups across the District;
• The organisation of a programme of events aimed at improving the
understanding of cultural diversity;
• Capacity building training to enable groups to contribute to community
relations work;
• Voluntary grants scheme aimed at encouraging groups to undertake cross-
community/single identity projects with a Good Relations theme;
• Supporting a range of Partnerships and Forums which contribute to Good
Relations objectives, within and across a range of sectors;
• Close liaison with other related strategic initiatives including Community
Safety and Community Support;
• Mainstreaming of Good Relations within Council;
• Good Relations training and learning opportunities for elected members and
Council staff.
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Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Since 2003 there have been two officers responsible for Good Relations; one with
responsibility for Good Relations within the Council and one with responsibility
for Good Relations in the district. The Officers present an annual operational plan
including a budget to the Council for its views and endorsement at the beginning
of each year. The plan is then forwarded to the Community Relations Unit (within
the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister) for approval and grant
assistance.
The Community Relations Unit (OFMDFM) has to date funded 75% of agreed
programme costs of the DCCRP with 25% coming from local rates. Despite the
uncertainty of year on year funding for the Good Relations programme, Newry
and Mourne District Council choose to make the External Good Relations post
permanent and has now funded an Internal Good Relations post for a number of
years. Therefore Council now welcomes the
announcement by Government that the new
“Good Relations Challenge Programme” will be a
permanent programme. This will enable the
Council to develop longer-term plans for the
development of Good Relations in the District.
5.3 Why have a Good Relations Strategy?
With the launch of the Governments new Good Relations Policy (“A Shared
Future”) in March 2005, Newry and Mourne District Council has sought to be
proactive in terms of developing a strategy to address Good Relations
(incorporating race relations). This is enabling Newry and Mourne District
Council to implement effective and challenging Good Relations programming and
will enable the District to benefit from the delivery of a focused strategy that
seeks to enable all of the communities of Newry and Mourne to progress towards
a “shared future”.
In developing the Newry and Mourne District Council’s Good Relations Strategy,
the Council has sought to consider how it might contribute locally to the aims and
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Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 16
objectives set by the Northern Ireland Office. In “A Shared Future” the
government envisages a Northern Ireland:
“defined by a culture of tolerance: a normal, civic society, in which all individuals
are considered as equals, where differences are resolved through dialogue in the
public sphere and where all individuals are treated impartially. A society where
there is equity, respect for diversity and recognition of our interdependence.”
The Shared Future Report believes this aim is obtainable by:
eliminating sectarianism, racism and all forms of prejudice, enabling people to
live and work without fear or intimidation;
reducing tension and conflict at interface areas;
facilitating the development of a shared community where people wish to
learn, live, work and play together;
promoting civic-mindedness via citizenship education through school and
lifelong learning;
protecting members of minorities (whether for example by religion, race, or
any other grounds) and mixed marriages from intimidation and ensure
perpetrators are brought to justice;
ensuring that all public services are delivered impartially and guided by
economy, efficiency and effectiveness;
shaping policies, practices and institutions to enable trust and Good Relations
to grow;
encouraging understanding of the complexity of our history, through museums
and a common school curriculum;
supporting cultural projects which highlight the complexity and overlapping
nature of identities and their wider global connections;
supporting and learning from organisations working across ethnic divides for
reconciliation, including those operating on a north-south basis.
Newry and Mourne District Council therefore welcomes the opportunity to
develop a Good Relations Strategy that ensures these aims. In addition Council
believe this strategy will enable Council to:
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
re-emphasises the importance Council places upon Good Relations;
keep Good Relations central to Council’s strategic objectives;
demonstrate how each department contributes to deliver Good Relations
demonstrate its civic leadership;
enhance it’s commitment to fulfilment of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland
Act 1998.
The Good Relations Strategy will enable Council to continue to take account of
the needs and demands of all communities whilst addressing divisions and
diversity and seeking to attract additional funding from other agencies to enhance
the image of the District and encourage potential investment and tourism.
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Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
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6. Developing the Strategy
6.1 Good Relations Audit
A Good Relations audit was conducted in January 2007 across the District to
establish the views of communities, stakeholders, local councillors and Council
staff in regard to Good Relations.
Consultation included:
the distribution of a survey to community and voluntary groups;
an internal staff survey;
an interview with key representatives of Newry and Mourne District Council’s
senior management team;
two open forum workshops with Council staff;
a workshop discussion of key issues with the Councils Equality Committee;
a community/voluntary sector workshop in Crossmaglen;
a community/voluntary sector workshop in Kilkeel;
a community/voluntary sector workshop in Newry;
a workshop discussion group with the Newry Good Relations Forum steering
group.
6.2 Key Findings of the Audit
The full audit report highlights a wide range of findings in regard to Good
Relations issues with Council and also in the District as a whole.
6.21 Relating to Internal Good Relations
Some of the key issues arising were:
Elected members need to be encouraged to demonstrate equality within the
chamber and the recognition of all parties.
All elected members must facilitate and engage in the Good Relations
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Council departments need to contribute either directly or indirectly to Good
Relations
Staff need to see Good Relations as distinct from Industrial Relations
Need to ensure all Council venues are seen to be welcoming to people from all
communities
Need to increase staff awareness of the two Good Relations Officers and their
roles
Need to continue to enhance the environment within which staff work,
providing them with opportunity to increase their understanding of Good
Relations and culture
Must build on support services for migrant communities and in developing
capacity of staff and communities to engage with and serve BME community.
Need to embed Good Relations with the Community Planning context that
will emerge as a result of the Review of Public Administration.
Figure 6a
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% of Council staff who believe they have been impacted by actions or attitudes apparently motivated by religion, politics or
race
38.1
47.6
61.9
57.1
52.4
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Attitudes of other staff
Actions of other staff apparently motivated byreligion, politics or race
Attitudes of elected members
Actions of elected members
Display of Emblems
% of Staff Completing Questionnaire
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
6.22 Relating to External Good Relations
Some of the key issues arising were:
Needs to be recognition of good cross community work being done across the
district
Relationship between and within communities have improved significantly
but there is still much to be done to build trust and confidence
There remain “hard issues that have to be addressed.
Continuing to address prejudice
Figure 6b
Young people must be engaged and become Good Relations ambassadors so
that a shared future can become a reality
Good Relations Forum in Newry needs to expand membership and remit
Need for Good Relations Forum to try to widen its membership to include
representation of all shades of opinion and how it enables the Forum to
consider race relations issues
There is a need for Good Relations Forums in other parts of the District
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Community Groups view of the Level of Prejudice
9.5 9.5
47.6
33.3
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
19.0
9.59.5
19.0
14.3
33.3
9.5
33.3
42.9
38.138.1
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
Ethnic Minorities Nationalists Protestants Catholics Unionists
% O
f Com
mun
ity G
roup
who
par
ticip
ated
Very High Quite High Occassional None
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 21
More needs be done to promote integration between local communities and
ethnic minorities.
Communities need to work to increase understanding and tolerance of the
many different cultures now living in the District
Council must continue to support other agencies in the development of Good
Relations
Issue Rank
Participation between communities 1 Territorial markings e.g. kerb paintings, flags, murals etc 2 Sectarianism 3 Co existing with the other community 4 Approach taken by Government Agencies 5 Civic pride = 6 Lack of dialogue and respect = 6 Racism 7 Political instability 8 Victims of the Troubles 9 Paramilitary Activities 10 Ex prisoners 11
Figure 6c: Community and Voluntary Sector prioritisation of Good Relations Issues
6.3 Key Challenges
From the evidence gathered during the audit period it is clear that there are
five key challenges that the Good Relations strategy should seek to address. These
are:
(i) facilitation of community dialogue;
(ii) developing positive expression of cultural identify;
(iii) engagement with BME communities;
(iv) building capacity of members, staff and communities to develop a shared
future;
(v) developing and valuing contribution of members, staff and communities.
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 22
7 Strategy Framework
7.1 Mission Statement
To enable the continued development of an inclusive district through the building
of Good Relations and trust thereby enabling mutual understanding and respect
for the diverse cultures and heritages of the district.
7.2 Priorities
Newry and Mourne District Council has considered the Good Relations issues and
challenges identified through its programme, audit and ongoing work and has
determined that Council should seek, at the local level, to address the key
challenges (section 6.3) through contributing to the Governments Shared Future
Triennial Action Plan4 for Good Relations. This will ensure that the Council’s
Good Relations programme addresses the key challenges that continue to exist
and emerge within and between communities. As a result the Mission Statement
will be fulfilled through addressing the following key priorities (as set out in the
Triennial Action Plan):
(i) Tackling the Visible Manifestations of Sectarianism and Racism
(ii) Reclaiming Shared Space
(iii) Reducing Tensions at Interface Are
(iv) Shared Education
(v) Shared Communities
(vi) Supporting Good Relations through Culture and Diversity
(vii) Developing Shared Workplaces
(viii) Good Relations, Community Development and Tackling Disadvantage
(ix) Ensuring that Voice is Given to Victims
(x) Shared Services
4 www.asharedfutureni.gov.uk/action_plan_final.pdf
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 23
(xi) People from minority ethnic communities and the majority community
shared equality of life chances in all aspects of their lives
In addressing each of these priorities Council will be careful to ensure that the
actions also contribute to the objectives of the Racial Equality Strategy for
Northern Ireland (2005) which are:
Elimination Of Racial Inequality - To eliminate racism, racial inequality and unlawful racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity in all aspects of life, including public life, for people of different ethnic backgrounds in Northern Ireland.
Equal Protection - To combat racism and provide effective protection and
redress against racism and racist crime. Equality Of Service Provision - To ensure equality of opportunity for
minority ethnic people in accessing and benefiting from all public services. Participation - To increase participation and a sense of “belonging” of people
from minority ethnic backgrounds in public, political, economic, social and cultural life.
Dialogue - To promote dialogue between, and mutual understanding of,
different faiths and cultural backgrounds, both long standing within Northern Ireland and recent arrivals to these shores, guided by overarching human rights norms.
Capacity Building - To build capacity within minority ethnic communities to
develop a vibrant and sustainable minority ethnic sector at both local and regional level and to help minority ethnic people to fulfill the Government’s aim of a shared future for Northern Ireland.
7.3 Implementing the Strategy
The implementation of a strategy for Good Relations can only be done in
partnership with the residents of the District. Newry and Mourne District Council
therefore would wish to encourage local people to join with it in building Good
Relations within and between all of the communities who live in the District.
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 24
Council will seek throughout the course of the delivery of the Good Relations
Strategy (2007 – 2009) to lead the process through strong and accountable civic
leadership. Service delivery will promote Good Relations and external support
and assistance will be sought where appropriate.
Newry and Mourne District Council looks forward to supporting a growing,
diverse, peaceful and tolerant District.
7.4 Further information
Further information about this Strategy and how you can become involved in
Good Relations in Newry and Mourne can be obtained by contacting either of the
Good Relations Officer at Newry and Mourne District Council Tel: 028
30313031.
Information about the Good Relations in Northern Ireland can be obtained by
contacting the Northern Ireland Office’s Good Relations Unit: Tel. 028 90 522826
Or on line at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/index/equality/community-relations.htm
The Northern Ireland Policy Framework for Good Relations, “A Shared Future”
and the Government’s Triennial Action Plan for Good Relations can be accessed
on line at www.asharedfutureni.gov.uk
The Racial Equality Strategy for Northern Ireland can be accessed on line at:
www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/race-equality-strategy.pdf
Appendix A: INDICATIVE ACTION PLAN
Priority Area 1: Tackling the Visible Manifestations of Sectarianism and Racism
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/OutcomesIdentify and
participate in suitable partnerships
Council members and staff
Advise Council on relevant matters
GRO(e)/NIHE / PSNI
Build relations with local community
leaders
GRO(e)
Application of Good Practice
GRO(e)
Community re-imaging
Communities in conjunction with
Council
To work, in partnership
with others to reduce the
visible manifestations of
sectarianism and racism
in the District
Application of law in regard to such matters
Council, PSNI & and DRD
Impact of GR Forum and
other partnerships
Effectiveness of
information sharing
Number of key
communities with whom
appropriate levels of
contact and trust have
been established
Impact of good practice
models applied
Number of agreements
facilitated
Reduced sectarian and
racist manifestations
Ability to reduce need
for application of law
through community
based approaches
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 26
Priority Area 2: Reclaiming Shared Space
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Shared Space Audit GRO (E)
Council venues GRO (I), Equality Officer and
Council staff Information programme
GRO(E/I)
To seek to maximise the amount of public space
that is regarded as “shared by all District
residents”
Shared Space Promo GRO (E/I)
Shared space audit report
EQIA review
Post EQIA actions
Increased public
confidence
Implementation of
Shared Space Policy by
Council
Increased usage of
venues particularly by
minority communities
Potential for shared space
identified.
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 27
Priority Area 3: Reducing Tensions at Interface Areas
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Develop Skills Base
GRO(E)
and other agencies Community Dialogue GRO(E)
Councillors and Key Staff
Address misconceptions
GRO(E/I), GR Forums
and other agencies Act as GR Advocate GRO(E/I)/Council
To seek to reduce the opportunities for
development of tensions and community
interfaces
Develop opportunities for engagement
GRO(E) and other agencies
Increased resources
available to address
community tensions
Reduction in
misconceptions
Reduction in number of
tensions actually
manifesting
Improved image for the
District
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 28
Priority Area 4: Shared Education
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Promote Strong Civic
Leadership
GRO(I)
Develop Civic Pride GRO(E/I)
Inter Community Training/Awareness
GRO(E) and communities
Youth Forum GRO(E) and SELB
To enable communities
to have greater
opportunities to learn
together
Inter Schools Quiz GRO(E)
Enhanced relationships
between elected members
Improved relations
between community
leaders across
communities
Improved relations
between community
leaders and elected
members regardless of
community background
Greater community
integration
Enhanced relations
between younger
members of community
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 29
Priority Area 5: Shared Communities
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes
Build Capacity
GRO (E) and community
development Staff Support Networking GRO (E)
and community development Staff
Provide Resources via Voluntary Contributions
GRO (E/I)
To support all
communities to develop
a shared future Provide advocacy Councillors / Senior Staff
Increased community
capacity
Greater networking
within and between
communities
Revised grants
programme
Additional funds brought
into District to support
shared communities
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 30
Priority Area 6: Supporting Good Relations through Culture and Diversity
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Cultural
Audit GRO(E)
Cultural Development
GRO(E) with communities
Cultural Understanding
GRO(E) with communities
To enable the development of, and understanding of, the Districts culture and
diversity
culture and diversity
Cultural Celebration
GRO(E) and communities
Increased level of public
understanding of cultural
diversity
Increased involvement in
cultural activities
Increased openness and
accessibility of cultural
events
Focused programme to
engage communities
learn of each others
culture, history and
future vision
Cross community
involvement in cultural
activities
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 31
Priority Area 7: Developing Shared Workplaces
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Implement GR
Strategy
GRO(I)
Implementation of Equality Scheme
GRO(I) and Equality Officer
Develop GR programme for
members
GRO(I) and senior
management
Engage Staff in GR development
GRO(I)
To ensure that Council is
a workplace where all
members and staff have
equal opportunities
regardless of their
religious, political or
racial background
Develop GR programme for staff
Senior management / GRO
Greater staff awareness
of GR
Enhanced contribution to
Section 75(ii) objectives
Enhanced members and
staff understanding of
GR issues
Improved staff
confidence that Council
is a shared workplace
Ongoing staff input to
development of shared
workplace
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 32
Priority Area 8: Good Relations, Community Development and Tackling Disadvantage
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Implementation of
Community Support Plan
Community Services Staff
Development of Community Support
Plans GR ethos
GRO(E) and Community Services Staff
Focusing of Community Support
work
GRO(E)/ and Community
Services Staff
Communication GRO(E)
Partnership Working GRO(E/I)
To support the
development and
prosperity of
communities
Development of Community Planning
GRO (E/I) and Senior Staff
Community Support
Plan contributes to GR
All Community Support
actions are GR proofed
Increased capacity in
disadvantaged
communities
More sustainable
communities
Increased GR awareness
of community
GR principles
implemented in
partnership working
GR embedded in
community planning
process
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 33
Workplaces Developing Shared Workplaces
Priority Area 9: Ensuring that Voice is Given to Victims
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes
Engagement with Victims Groups
GRO(E) and relevant
partnerships
To ensure that all those
who have been impacted
by conflict have an
opportunity to engage in
civic life
GR Programme for
Victims
GRO(E)
Increased awareness of
GR based victims groups
in the District
Increased number of
programmes for victims
to engage in that allows
them to move forward as
positive contributors to
Good Relations
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 34
Priority Area 10: Shared Services
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Review of
contribution each service makes to Good
Relations
GRO(I) and Department Directors
GR enhancement training
GRO(I)
Continued implementation of Equality Scheme
GRO(I) And Equality Officer
Ensure all Council facilities are seen as
shared space
All facility managers
Seeking to maximise GR impact in future
local government arrangements
GRO (E/I)
To support the
development of shared
services that contribute
to Good Relations
Joint project with SELB Youth Service
GRO(E)
Greater contribution of
Council services to GR
Increased capacity to
contribute to GR
Greater sense of shared
services
All facilities seen as
shared space
GR developed fully in
any Post RPA plans
Engagement of young
people in development of
sense of shared services
in the district
Good Relations Strategy 2007 - 2009
Page - 35
Priority Area 11: People from minority ethnic communities and the majority
community have shared equality of life chances in all aspects of their lives
Objective Action Responsibility Indicators/Outcomes Application of Racial
Equality Strategy
GRO(I)
Assessment of needs of minority ethic
community
GRO(E) and EDO
Support of groups working with minority
ethnic community
GRO(E)
Capacity building for minority ethnic
community
GRO (E) And other agencies
To develop support for
and integration of
minority ethnic
communities
Support integration of communities
GRO(E)
Localised
implementation of Racial
Equality Strategy
Improved information on
needs of minority ethnic
community
Practical support for
minority ethnic projects
Increased capacity of
minority ethnic
community
Decrease in prejudice of
host communities
Increased integration of
communities
Appendix B Consultees
Internal Consultation
Members of the Equality Committee (Councillors)
Clerk/Chief Executive
Director of Administration
Assistant Director of Administration (Equality)
Equality Officer
Internal Good Relations Officer
External Good Relations Officer
Staff Focus Group – Monaghan Row Offices
Staff Focus Group – Greenbank Offices
All staff – via staff questionnaire
External Consultation
All community groups via a community questionnaire
Good Relations Forum
Focus Group - Community Groups in South Armagh
Focus Group - Community Groups in Newry
Focus Group - Community Groups in The Mournes