The recent decision by the EU to extend the PEACE programme is an endorsement of its success to date, writes Pat Colgan
Recent problems affecting the Northern Ireland peace process have brought into sharp focus the ongoing challenges faced by those involved in building lasting peace and reconciliation in the region. High-profile inter-community tensions and ongoing sectarian attacks have dominated the headlines, but these do not tell the whole story.
Those of us who are involved on a daily basis in work related to the peace process have always understood that addressing the legacy of the "Troubles" - marked by such deep-rooted community and social tensions - was going to take time as well as a strong resolve. We also appreciate that the success of our combined efforts is dependent on wider political, social and economic factors, most of which are outside our control.
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), in partnership with a large number of community and government agencies, remains steadfast in the belief that, with the ongoing support of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE II), an environment can be created in which reconciliation and lasting peace can grow.
The PEACE programme, which has delivered significant amounts of additional European funding to the region, may not always attract the headlines it should. However, it is making a significant difference to the lives of thousands of people in Northern Ireland as well as in the Border region.
While not underestimating the challenge we still face, we are encouraged by independent research and by direct experience and feedback. This shows that the funding programme has made, and continues to make, a positive difference. All indicators show that PEACE II has acted as an important catalyst for change in terms of infrastructural improvements, economic and social development and, perhaps most importantly, meaningful cross-community engagement and trust.
This research highlights the fact that PEACE II has helped to create the conditions through which a stable society can be achieved and that it has also helped to break down long-standing barriers which exist as a result of the "Troubles".
Headline figures show that 96 per cent of participants in the PEACE II programme are more likely to have at least some friends within another community, compared to 86 per cent of the total population of the North. In terms of trust, 80 per cent of PEACE II participants feel that members of the other community can be trusted, compared to just 56 per cent of the total NI population.
Clearly, the programme is not a solution to all the problems we face, but it is making a valuable contribution. Anyone who doubts this need only visit his/her nearest PEACE-funded project and ask those involved what difference it has made to their lives.
The current PEACE II programme (2000-2006) is valued at €1 billion and was established after the success of PEACE I (1995-2000). It aims to help Northern Ireland become a more stable and prosperous society and to promote reconciliation within the North and in the Border region.
To date, the programme has funded more than 20,000 separate projects, over 80 per cent of which have had a cross-community dimension.
Different indicators of performance exist for PEACE II projects. For some, job-creation is the key issue, and it is estimated that approximately 1,700 jobs have been created. Other projects involve the provision of training to improve the employability of participants, and through these approximately 74,000 people have received training. Projects funded under economic criteria impact on peace and reconciliation by increasing prosperity, reducing social exclusion and promoting the creation of networks between divided communities and on a cross-Border basis.
All the projects funded under PEACE II must address the legacy of conflict. They must demonstrate how they can make the most of opportunities for community and economic development as well as promote reconciliation and mutual understanding. The funding is not designed to replace core funding, but rather to act as a catalyst for change and build on momentum.
From cross-community outreach programmes for young people to the Chinese Welfare Association and from cross-community Dunfield (Dundalk/Linfield) Football Association to Women's Education and Training, the programme has delivered funding to a broad range of projects with varying objectives, overseen by an independent monitoring committee comprising members of local businesses and voluntary and political representatives.
Common to all the projects is that they must demonstrate how they can contribute to peace and reconciliation. The recent extension of the programme until 2006 has placed a particular emphasis on reconciliation and it continues to target all communities and sectors affected by the conflict. Specific measures focus on the provision of support for victims, cross-Border work, training for women and rural development.
Although PEACE II has delivered huge benefits to all communities in the region, it is vital to ensure that it is accessible to those who have most need of it. In this regard, the programme is focusing on the problems of those communities which have previously lacked sufficient capacity to avail of funding. Active steps are being taken to encourage applications from under-represented communities, including ethnic minorities and the Protestant working-class communities.
The recent decision by the EU to extend the programme is an endorsement of its success to date and will allow the good work already undertaken to be built on.
There is a great deal of interest across Europe in the peace process and specifically on how PEACE II is addressing the legacy of conflict. While it continues to make a positive difference to the lives of people in the North, the programme may also have benefits for the wider EU through the sharing of the experiences which have been gained.
Pat Colgan is chief executive of the Special EU Programmes Body, a North/South implementation body set up under the Belfast Agreement and managing authority for the PEACE II programme.