Minister Cowen announces almost €1.5 million for Reconciliation Groups (Part II - Recipients)

Recipients of the grants announced by Minister Cowen today:

Co-operation Ireland was founded in 1979 in response to the challenge of conflict and violence in Northern Ireland and currently runs a number of programmes on a North - South basis, building relationships within communities. Allocated: €300,000

The Glencree Centre for Reconciliation (Co. Wicklow) is one of the largest organisations on the island of Ireland working towards peace building and the promotion of reconciliation. The Centre, through various programmes and summer schools, attracts participants from a large cross-section of society, with a view to building peace on the island of Ireland, between Ireland and Britain and beyond.
Allocated: €175,000

Established in 1979, the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (formerly the Northern Ireland Community Trust) works to support, develop and strengthen communities, helps to reintegrate marginalised groups and also supports local peace building efforts. Allocated: €100,000

Encounter is an organisation founded by the Irish and British Governments “to contribute to the improvement of relations between their peoples in the interests of peace, reconciliation and stability.” The organisation aims to develop contacts between groups in civil society in Ireland and Britain.
Allocated: € 75,000

The 174 Trust is a cross-community development group based in the New Lodge area of Belfast. The Trust works with a variety of local community groups and participates in cross-community initiatives, aiming to provide a neutral space to promote reconciliation in the wider community. Allocated: €40,000

Established in 1985 as a community resource centre, An Teach Bán (Co. Donegal) provides training and opportunities for development in cross-border and cross-community groups in Northern Ireland and the six border counties in the South. The Centre’s work focuses on those affected by conflict and offers a safe space to participants. Allocated: €15,000

The aim of the Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil Project (Belfast) is to provide a sustainable programme of events, involving artistic, cultural and traditional elements, for all sections of the community. The Project also helps outside agencies to get involved in the regeneration of the Ardoyne area. This allocation will go towards the overall production costs of the Fleadh this month. Allocated: €15,000

Established in 1994, the Armoy Community Association (Co. Antrim) aims to address the economic regeneration of the Armoy area, enhance cross-community links and a sense of community spirit. The funding received will help with the initiation of a youth programme aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the two communities. Allocated: €20,000


The Ashton Community Trust works towards social and economic regeneration in North Belfast. Its primary aims are to reduce unemployment, promote education and provide training, encourage community development and the social and physical regeneration of the local area. This year’s allocation will assist with the costs associated with the annual New Lodge Summer Festival. Allocated: €20,000

Approximately 200 children from both sides of the community participate in the two- week Auchnacloy and Knockonan Summer Scheme (Co. Monaghan) every year. Allocated: €6,500

The aims of the Ballybeen Women’s Centre, situated in East Belfast, include the promotion of active citizenship for women in the area, through the provision of education and training; the promotion of health issues and the promotion of peace and reconciliation. Allocated: €14,000

Beeleek and District Community Partnership (Co. Fermanagh) is an umbrella organisation for 18 different community groups in the area including the Protestant Church Hall Committee, the Committee of the local GAA hall, the over 55’s club and the Parent and Toddler Group. The group also attempts to address economic issues, particular to border regions. Allocated: €20,000

The Clonmacnoise Foundation was established to facilitate enhanced North-South and East-West co-operation in the fields of education, research, economic, social, diplomatic and cultural development, with a particular emphasis on peace and reconciliation. The Foundation facilitates a partnership programme which incorporates Harvard University, NUI Maynooth and the University of Ulster. Allocated: €30,000

The Connaught Rangers Association (Co. Roscommon), established in 2002, is engaged in compiling information on the Connaught Rangers and military artefacts to display to the public. The association hope to promote cross-border contact by displaying artefacts belonging to Regiments from both parts of the island that fought in World War 1. Allocated: €10,000

Cookstown Gateway Club (Co. Tyrone) provides social, educational and leisure activities for adults in the Cookstown district, who have learning disabilities. This allocation will fund a cross-border visit to Donegal to create new contacts and share experiences. Allocated: €10,000

Discovery 80 Ltd. - Share (Co. Fermanagh) is a charitable organisation, which provides a range of residential and day visitor services for people with disabilities and for people needing respite services, as a result of conflict in their communities.
Allocated: €12,000

Formed in 1994, the Drogheda Community Forum focuses on areas of training, funding, and community development and has a particular emphasis on cross-border work and social inclusion. This funding will be used to produce a DVD, pamphlet and photo exhibition showing the shared history of Drogheda and Derry.
Allocated: €15,000

Established in 1995, the Fermanagh Trust works to support social and community development in Fermanagh. The Trust’s activities include providing financial support for projects which enhance community life in Fermanagh and establishing and promoting a number of trust funds. Allocated: €50,000

The Gasyard Wall Féile (Derry) runs an ongoing cultural programme, primarily based in the Bogside and Brandywell areas. Activities include promotion of community participation, economic regeneration, employment/skills training, exploration of identities and diversionary programmes for youth during summer months. Allocated: €10,000

Established in 1985, the Inner East Youth Project works with young people from the local area in East Belfast. It works closely with local schools, community groups and agencies and this funding has been granted to develop a cross-community youth forum with youth from the local Short Strand. Allocated: €20,000

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