good relations strategy 2007 - 2009 - newry and mourne democratic unionist party councillors ......

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


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.


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


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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


Page - 6

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

[email protected]

Website: www.newryandmourne.gov.uk

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.newryandmourne.org.uk/


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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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


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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


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


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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http://www.ark.ac.uk/

http://www.ark.ac.uk/


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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)


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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


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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http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_pages/0018-0512-0413-1740.html


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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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:


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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http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_pages/0018-0411-0608-4409.html


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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


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


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


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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.


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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

http://www.asharedfutureni.gov.uk/action_plan_final.pdf


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(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.


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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

http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/index/equality/community-relations.htm

http://www.asharedfutureni.gov.uk/

http://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


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.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

good relations strategy 2007 - 2009 - newry and mourne democratic unionist party councillors ......

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