IFI announces €13m in funding for Border community groups

The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) has announced funding of €13 million for Border communities to promote reconciliation.

The funding is to be made available to community groups under the IFI's Community Bridges Programme over three years.

Organisations which have benefited from IFI funding in the past include the New Border Generation group based in Carlingford, Co Louth, and the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust in Co Fermanagh.

The work of New Border Generation has included the setting up of a cross-Border network for community organisations engaged in peace initiatives and cross-Border community development.

The Spirit of Enniskillen Trust was inspired by the late senator Gordon Wilson, following the 1987 Enniskillen bombing, to support young people in making their own leadership contributions towards dialogue and change in Northern Ireland.

At the announcement yesterday of the new funding, IFI board member Deirdre Ryan said: "Divisions remain within and between our communities which must be addressed. The allocation of €13 million under the Community Bridges Programme is a very clear indication of the commitment of the IFI to achieving lasting and sustainable peace on this island."

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern welcomed the IFI announcement. "Against a backdrop of significant economic progress in Northern Ireland and the Border counties," he said, "IFI is adapting to meet the challenges ahead."