THE CHAIRMAN of the Strabane Renewal Partnership Paul Gallagher met with Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie at Stormont Castle recently to discuss a number of community projects currently being rolled out locally.
Mr Gallagher was one of 36 community representatives who attended the function.
He explained: "Margaret Ritchie has taken over the role of former Social Development Minister David Hanson and this was basically about meeting her and giving a progress update on the programmes we are currently involved in," he said.
At present the Strabane Renewal Partnership are involved in programmes based on four themes; social renewal, community renewal, physical renewal and economic renewal.
Since being established two years ago, the local partnership has been central to the regeneration of Melvin Park and the installation of spotlights to Sigersons GAA Club. They are currently aiding similar regeneration projects in the Springhill and Lisnafin areas as well continuing working alongside local sports clubs and Strabane's Ethnic Community Association.
"At present we have a three year action plan in place and a ten year vision for community renewal in Strabane town.
"These plans were drawn up after extensive consultation with the statutory bodies and other community groups. We discussed the funding we have received would best benefit local estates and the projects we are involved in.
"I gave Margaret Ritchie a run down of our work and we also discussed funding allocation, how it can be best rolled out and the future of the Strabane Renewal Partnership," Mr Gallagher said.
Speaking following the recent Stormont conference, Mrs Ritchie said she believes that Neighbourhood Renewal is making a real difference to communities across Northern Ireland.
"Since the launch of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy in 2003, we have made considerable strides towards making the Neighbourhood Renewal vision of a better life a reality for many people.
"Over 280,000 people live in the targeted areas and we need to make sure that they have access to the best possible services and life opportunities.
"Much is being achieved. The Partnerships have worked hard to develop action plans which set out the regeneration priorities for their neighbourhoods.
"However, real sustainable improvements will only come if government and the community work in partnership.
"The plans developed will pose challenges to the way public services are delivered and it is up to government departments and statutory bodies to listen and respond," she said.
The Minister also revealed that the Department for Social Development had invested nearly £45million in Neighbourhood Renewal areas across Northern Ireland in the past two years. This is in addition to the considerable investment that has also been made by other government gepartments.
She added: "Neighbourhood Renewal is about more than money, it must focus on the outcomes. The short term approach of the past has to change if we are to make the necessary improvements on the ground."
Welcoming the efforts and commitment of the various partnerships, the Minister added: "The chairs and members of these Partnerships have taken responsibility for their areas. I believe with their input Neighbourhood Renewal can achieve positive change to the lives of the people living in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland."
