DONEGAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partnership

Transcription

1 DONEGAL PEACE AND RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Final Draft 12 May

2 Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgements Executive Summary 1. Introduction 1.1 Building Positive Relations at Local Level 1.2 Approach and Methodology Partnership Approach Consultation Process Evidence Based Approach 1.3 Cross-cutting Themes 1.4 Structure of Peace III Action Plan Page No Policy and Legislative Context 2.1 Overall National Policy Context 2.2 Local Policy Context 2.3 Legislative Context 2.4 Existing Funding Programmes 3. Setting the Scene 3.1 Review of Impact of Peace II Programme 3.2 Socio-Economic Review 3.3 SWOT Analysis 3.4 STEEPLE Analysis 4. Emerging Issues, Challenges and Problems 4.1 Methodology utilised in analysing information from Public Consultation Process Sectarianism and Racism: Two sides of the same coin in an increasingly diverse society Denial and lack of acknowledgement of sectarianism and racism Lack of awareness and understanding of sectarianism and racism Lack of trust and cross-community contact Isolation, poverty and conflict Ingrained mentality Acknowledging and dealing with the past 4.2 Conclusion 5. Vision, Aims and Objectives 5.1 Vision 5.2 Aims 5.3 Objectives 6. Strategic Framework 6.0 Strategic Framework

3 6.1 Targeted Strategic Interventions 6.2 Single Location Type Interventions 6.3 Crosscutting Interventions 6.4 Programme Development, Management and Implementation 6.5 Addressing the Cross Cutting Themes Crossborder Co-operation Equality of Opportunity Sustainable Development Impact on Poverty Partnership 7. Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan 8. Managing the Strategy 8.1 Management structure and reporting arrangements 8.2 Implementation arrangements 8.3 Proposals for Phase II in Development of Peace III Action Plan 8.4 Regional Proposals under Priority 1.1 of Peace III Operational Programme 8.3 Monitoring and Evaluation Arrangements 8.4 Ongoing consultation 9. Summary of Financial Requirements 9.1 Summary of Need 9.2 Summary of Financial Requirements Appendices 1. Glossary of Terms 2. Partnership Agreement 3. List of Members of the Partnership 4. Minutes of the Partnership meetings 5. Consultation Paper 6. List of attendees at public consultation workshop 7. List of written submissions received 8. Publicity for Consultation process 9. Indicators of need identified in Socio Economic Review 10. Tables for Audit of Peace II Projects in County Donegal 11. Tables for Socio Economic Review 12. Map 1 and 2 of Socio Economic Review Bibliography 3

4 Preface Donegal County Development Board in accordance with direction provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government established a Peace and Reconciliation Partnership in County Donegal in The initial aim of this Partnership is the preparation of a Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan for the county setting out strategic responses to locally identified needs. This Plan will be submitted to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) by way of an application for funding under priority 1.1 of the Operational Programme for Peace III. The purpose of this Peace III Action Plan is to illustrate how Priority 1.1: Building Positive Relations at the Local Level of the Peace III Programme will be managed and delivered within Donegal, including cross border initiatives. The Peace III Action Plan provides a framework for the implementation of activity that focuses on reconciliation, cultural diversity and equality and sets how local issues identified through an extensive consultation process will be addressed in a strategic fashion. This plan has been developed for the entire county of Donegal. Donegal occupies the extreme north-western tip of the island of Ireland, bounded to the north and west by over 1,100km of Atlantic coast and to the east and south east by the Northern Ireland counties of Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh. Only a short border (of 20 km) with County Leitrim joins the south of the county to the rest of the Republic of Ireland. The total land area of County Donegal is 485,951 hectares, which represents 6.9% of the total area nationally. A detailed socio-economic profile of the county is presented in chapter 3. Key aspects of the county include: peripheral and rural location, weak urban structure, an ageing population, a dependent population, diverse socioeconomic base and increasingly diverse cultural population. In the 1990s, the emerging Peace Process and subsequent EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace and Peace II ) provided many opportunities for joint collaboration in a county, regional and cross border context across a range of sections (public, community and voluntary, social partners) and in a variety of project areas-community, social, environmental, infrastructural and economic aspects. County Donegal has benefited substantially from the investment made by Peace Programmes to date, and this Plan will aim to build on those successes and achievements to date. This plan has been developed under the auspices of the recently established Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partnership (hereafter referred to as The Partnership), and is guided by a number of underlying principles agreed by the Partnership. These principles will continue to guide the implementation of the plan. Donegal County Council is the lead partner of the Partnership and as such is responsible for the following in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation 1080/2006: guaranteeing the sound financial management of the funds allocated to the operation, ensuring the implementation of the entire project, ensuring that expenditure claimed by the partners meets the objectives of the project and agreed activities. As lead partner, Donegal County Council will work closely in collaboration with other local statutory agencies and social partners, including the community and voluntary 4

5 sector so as to achieve the overall objective of reconciling communities both within the county and in a cross border context. Acknowledgements The Partnership would like to thank everyone who contributed to the development of the Peace III Action Plan. It is particularly grateful to those who attended the public consultation workshops and those who made written submissions. We would like to extend our thanks to Border Action and the Community Relations Council for their guidance and assistance at all stages of the development of the Peace III Action Plan. The Partnership would like to record its fullest appreciated to the staff of Community & Enterprise Division, Donegal County Council, in particular Jaclyn Harron, Lorettta McNicholas, Roisin McBride, Maria Ferguson, Anne McElchar, Garry Martin, Anne Marie Conlon and Breid Neely. 5

6 Executive Summary This Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan (hereafter referred to as the Peace III Action Plan) has been drawn up in accordance with detailed guidelines issued by the SEUPB and represents the Partnership s bid for funding under Priority 1.1: Building Positive Relations at Local Level. The Peace III Action Plan provides: A summary of the approach and methodology used in preparing the Plan An overview of the policy and legislative context A socio-economic profile of County Donegal and an analysis of the local situation and sets out the shared vision, aims and objectives of the Partnership for the county with a focus on reconciliation, cultural diversity and equality. In developing this strategic framework, the Partnership has agreed a shared vision for Donegal and this will inspire and guide the work of the Partnership over the next number of years, as follows: Donegal, a county where there is no racism and sectarianism and where all feel equally valued and confident that they belong. In working towards achieving the shared vision the Partnership has identified five overall aims for this Peace III Action Plan: 1. Challenge attitudes towards sectarianism and racism 2. Promote active participation in civil life in Donegal 3. Promote greater community integration within Donegal and on a cross border basis. 4. Promote equality and embrace diversity 5. Support conflict resolution and mediation The Peace III Action Plan outlines proposals for indicative actions to be delivered including an enhanced small grants programme along with the mechanisms envisaged for local implementation. This Peace III Action Plan has been developed and will be delivered within the context of the five cross cutting themes set out in the Peace III Operational Programme i.e. crossborder co-operation, equality of opportunity, sustainable development, impact on poverty and partnership. To manage the arrangements, the Council will lead a partnership operating under the auspices of the Donegal County Development Board. The Partnership is made up of 16 members with representatives from the elected council, local statutory, local development, community and voluntary agencies and other social partners. An elected member of Donegal County Council will chair the Partnership to ensure effective information flow and continuity of representation. The Peace III Action Plan is based on a bid for funding in the range of 5.68m to 6.8m for the period The Plan gives details of additional staffing requirements necessary to manage and implement the new Peace III Programme, both to support organisations in delivering the specified actions as set out in the Action Plan and to ensure compliance with the financial requirements of the SEUPB. 6

7 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction Building on the successes and lessons of the Peace I ( ) and Peace II ( ) Programmes the overall objective of the Peace III Programme is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region. With a continued and renewed emphasis on reconciliation, the Peace III Programme has identified two priority areas; reconciling communities and contributing towards a shared society. In relation to reconciling communities two key objectives have been identified: Building positive relations at local level; and Acknowledging and dealing with the past. 1.1 Building positive relations at local level The overall aim of this objective is to challenge attitudes towards sectarianism and racism and to support conflict resolution and mediation at local community level. The Peace III Programme has identified that this element of the programme is best delivered through a partnership arrangement operating at local level under the auspices of the County Development Boards in the Border Region. With this in mind, Donegal County Development Board in accordance with direction provided by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government has established a Peace and Reconciliation Partnership in County Donegal. The initial aim of this partnership is the preparation of a Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan for the county setting out strategic responses to locally identified needs. This Plan will be submitted to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) by way of an application for funding under priority 1.1 of the Operational Programme for Peace III. This Peace III Action Plan provides a framework for the implementation of activity that focus on promoting reconciliation, cultural diversity and equality including cross border initiatives that will improve trust and tolerance. 1.2 Approach and Methodology The approach and methodology used in the development of the Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan in County Donegal is consistent with the principles outlined in the Peace III Operational Programme and has adhered as close as possible to the Guidelines and Assessment Framework 1 recommended by the SEUPB, as follows: Partnership Approach The Partnership has been established so as to facilitate a bottom up approach in the development and implementation of the County Action Plan and to ensure that the voice of marginalised and minority groups is heard through representation from the community and voluntary sector and in particular the target groups. A total of four meetings were held with the Partnership over a nine week period and the Partnership was involved in agreeing every element of the Peace III Action Plan and in particular 1 Guidelines and Assessment Framework for the Operational Programme for Peace III Theme 1.1 Building Positive Relations at Local Level, Special EU Programmes Body, July

8 in informing the indicative actions. The Partnership were also involved in developing the vision in terms of articulating in how they would like to see the County in 2010, 2015 and 2020 and this has in turn developed the vision for this Peace III Action Plan.. The Partnership is made up of 16 members with representatives from the following sectors: Sector No. of Nominees Trade Unions 1 Business 1 Farming 1 Community/Voluntary 5 Local Government 4 (including Chair) State Agencies 3 Local Development 1 Following discussion and agreement with Border Action/CRC it was agreed and endorsed by the CDB that representation from the community and voluntary sector would include two representatives from the Donegal County Community Forum and three representatives from target groups as identified in the Peace III programme. On this basis three members of the Partnership currently represent the youth sector, political ex-prisoners and their families and the minority Protestant community in Donegal. It was further agreed that this representation would be reviewed in 12 months with a view to inviting other target group representatives to sit on the Partnership. A key element in the development of the Partnership process has been the preparation of a Partnership Agreement. This Agreement provides a mechanism to ensure an open, inclusive and effective partnership and accompanies this Action Plan (see Appendix 2). The Partnership Agreement sets out guiding principles not only for the operation of the Partnership but also for the process of preparing and implementing the Action Plan. These guiding principles are as follows: An understanding of the needs of the individuals and the constituent bodies represented on the Partnership. In particular effort is made to facilitate the involvement of marginalised and disadvantaged groups. Ensuring participation and inclusion of the maximum number of groups and individuals affected and that different methods are used to engage with different groups and individuals. An effective, comprehensive and ongoing consultation/ review process is developed and implemented Participants in planning process can expect early and frequent opportunities to feedback. Mutual respect by all the partners of each others validity and interests Consensus in decision-making Shared responsibility and ownership of the process. The Partnership working arrangements should be team-based. 8

9 Transparency and accountability with regard to steps, decision and participants in the process. In agreeing on the principles to guide the work of the Partnership in Donegal, cognisance was given to the principles set out by the SEUPB in its Guidelines and Assessment Framework i.e. Integration, Openness, Prioritising, Equality and Social Inclusion and Responsiveness and are reflected in the above principles as articulated by the Partnership in Donegal Consultation Process From the outset, it was recognised that a key element in the preparation of the Peace III Action Plan for County Donegal would be widespread consultation and involvement of marginalised and minority groups in the county. To facilitate this, the Partnership prepared a consultation document and circulated it to over 1,200 statutory organisations, groups and individuals inviting them to highlight the issues that they felt should be included in the Action Plan and how these issues should be addressed. The Partnership held two public consultation workshops; one in Letterkenny (north Donegal) and one in Donegal Town (south Donegal). A total of 62 people attended the workshop in Letterkenny and 35 people attended the workshop in Donegal Town. The workshop was divided into two parts: the first was an information session, where staff from Community & Enterprise, Donegal County Council gave a presentation detailing the background, objectives and processes to be undertaken in the preparation and development of a plan under the Priority 1, Theme 1, Building Positive relations at a local level. A representative from Border Action also gave an overview of the role of Consortium of Border Action/CRC in the development of the Peace III Action Plan. The attendees then participated in roundtable discussions, facilitated by staff from Community & Enterprise and members of the Partnership. A worksheet with a pre-set list of questions was used for the purpose of the workshop, which focussed on establishing the emerging issues in Donegal in relation to sectarianism and racism, how these issues affect target groups and how the issues can be addressed in Donegal. In addition all interested parties were encouraged to make written submissions to the Peace III Action Plan by post or by through the Donegal CDB and Donegal County Council websites. 30 written submissions to the consultation process were received. Press releases, outlining details of the consultation process, including the public consultation workshops and inviting submissions from all interested parties, were also issued and featured in local media, including widespread coverage on local radio. In addition a specific workshop was held with the elected members of Donegal County Council to gather their views on how this Peace III Action Plan could address local issues in the county. A detailed report on the findings from the consultation process was also made available on the Donegal CDB and Donegal County Council website for general information so as to enable feedback prior to the submission of the plan and to ensure that consultation is an ongoing process and not just a once-off event. 9

10 1.2.3 Evidence Based Approach In addition to collating the views of interested parties, including individuals, through the consultation process, an extensive literature review was undertaken. This involved reviewing relevant research reports, auditing existing policies, legislation, plans and service programmes relevant to the Peace III Action Plan, and reviewing the impact of the Peace II and Peace II extension Programme in the County. 1.3 Cross Cutting Themes This Peace III Action Plan has also been developed within the strategic guidelines of the cross cutting themes set out in the Peace III Operational Programme as follows: Crossborder Co-operation Equality of Opportunity Sustainable Development Impact on Poverty Partnership Details of how these cross cutting themes have been addressed within the Peace III Action Plan are set out on page Structure of the Peace III Action Plan It is clear from the above that the Partnership embarked on an open, transparent and inclusive process to produce a plan, which has been jointly conceived and which has full ownership of all the constituent parties. In the sections which follow, we: Profile the policy and legislative context within which the Peace III Action Plan is set Present a detailed socio-economic profile of the county Identify the emerging issues, challenges and problems Present an overarching strategic framework for the Peace III Action Plan Outline a detailed Peace III Action Plan Outline arrangements for the monitoring and evaluation of the Peace III Action Plan Summarise the financial requirements. 10

11 CHAPTER 2: POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 2.0 Policy and Legislative Context The PEACE III Action Plan for County Donegal has been developed within the existing and emerging policy context at both national and local level. This section outlines the complementarity between key national and local policies and strategies and the provisions of the Peace III Action Plan. 2.1 Overall National Policy Context The overall national policy framework in Ireland is set out in the objectives and substantive content of the National Development Plan ; Towards 2016 Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement ; and the National Spatial Strategy National Development Plan (NDP) The over-riding objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) include: Promoting Social Inclusion and improvements in quality of life; Realising opportunities of strengthened all-island collaboration in areas of mutual interest; Enhancing enterprise development; Investing in long term sustainability; and Integrating regional development. Investment in social priorities is central to the NDP and this reinforces the priorities of the PEACE III Programme. Some of the key features of the NDP are as follows: Children s Programme; Development of diverse communities; Support for immigrant integration and social and economic advancement of the Traveller Community; Working Age Education Support; Support for Older People; and Support for people with disabilities Towards 2016 Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement develops a framework to address key social challenges, focusing on the needs of children, young adults, people of working age, older people and people with disabilities. The framework sets out to achieve the NESC (National Economic and Social Council) vision of: A dynamic, internationalised and participatory Irish society and economy, founded on a commitment to social justice and economic development that is both environmentally sustainable and internationally competitive. 11

12 This will be achieved through the following actions: Nurturing the complementary relationship between social policy and economic prosperity; Deepening capabilities, achieving higher participation rates and more successfully handling diversity, including immigration; and Re-inventing and repositioning Ireland s social policies National Spatial Strategy The National Spatial Strategy was designed to achieve a better balance of social, economic, physical development and population growth between regions in Ireland. The strategy is structured around gateways and hubs and the aims are to be able to sustain: A better quality of life for all; A strong, competitive economic position; and An environment of the highest quality. The strategy outlines the importance of key strategic cross border linkages with Northern Ireland particularly, in the Donegal context, between Letterkenny and Derry (identified as a gateway in the NSS). This cross border element is important in the context of the implementation of cross border projects under Priority 1.1 of the Peace III Programme, outlined in the Peace III Action Plan. 2.3 Specific Policy Areas of Relevance A number of policy areas are particularly relevant to the themes outlined in the Peace III Action Plan, including social inclusion, racism, sectarianism, equality, children and young people, older people, anti-poverty, active citizenship and community development. These are in line with the broader objectives of Peace III, Priority 1.1, Building Positive Relations at a Local Level National Action Plan for Social Inclusion The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) sets out a comprehensive programme of action to address poverty and social exclusion. The overall poverty goal is: To reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2% and 4% by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016, under the revised definition. The target areas under this programme include: Children; People of Working Age; Older People; People with disabilities; and Communities Planning for Diversity: The National Action Plan Against Racism The overall aim of the National Action Plan Against Racism is to provide strategic direction to combat racism and develop a more inclusive, intercultural society in Ireland based on a commitment to inclusion by design, not as an add-on or 12

13 afterthought and based on policies that promote interaction, equality of opportunity, understanding and respect. The intercultural framework underpinning the Plan is based on five objectives and can be summarised as follows: Effective protection and redress against racism; Economic inclusion and equality of opportunity; Accommodating diversity in service provision; Recognition and awareness of diversity; and Full participation in Irish society Other Policy Areas Other policy areas of relevance include the: National Children s Strategy, Ready, Steady, Play! A National Play Policy; Taskforce on Active Citizenship; Teenspace, National Recreation Policy for Young People; and National Women s Strategy In considering the relationship between the Donegal PEACE III Action Plan and overarching policy frameworks, it is important that the fundamental issues facing County Donegal mirror the key policy priorities at a national and local level. 2.4 Local Policy Context There are a number of policies and strategies operating at a local level and these include the following: Donegal County Development Plan The Donegal County Development Plan sets out a spatial land-use strategy for the County and its goal is to create a prosperous county with an improved quality of life by providing the focus and support necessary to create strong urban structures and sustainable rural areas. The County Development Plan is the statutory statement on landuse strategic matters and is developed by Donegal County Council following extensive local and public consultation processes An Straitéis, Integrated County Strategy for Social, Cultural and Economic Development An Straiteis the integrated County Strategy for Social, Cultural and Economic Development provides a blueprint for public service delivery and development in the county for the period Donegal CDB prepared and launched An Straiteis in An Straiteis includes specific objectives and goals of particular relevance to the PEACE III Action Plan in a range of areas, including, social inclusion, women s sector, youth and children, culture and community development. An Straitéis sets out a vision in relation to social inclusion of: A Community where those who are socially excluded, or at risk of experiencing social exclusion, have equality of opportunity, participation and outcomes. In relation to the Women s sector, the vision is: A well developed inclusive women s sector which is recognised, meaningfully represented and adequately resourced. The vision for Youth and Children is: Young people in Donegal will have access to planned, resourced and co-ordinated children and youth friendly services, thus recognising their right to reach their full potential. 13

14 The CDB has set out a vision for Community Development as follows: Vibrant communities which participates fully in the life of Donegal. An Straiteis, complements and reinforces the overall objective of the Peace III Action Plan and, as such, the overall PEACE III Programme Donegal County Council Local Anti-Poverty Strategy 2005 In 2005, the Combat Poverty Agency provided funding to Donegal County Council to co-ordinate the development of a Local Anti Poverty Strategy for the Council. The Local Anti Poverty Strategy (LAPS) has been developed with a view to tackling poverty and promoting social inclusion in the county. This Local Anti-Poverty Strategy has been instrumental in raising awareness of issues affecting poverty and social exclusion in the county and has brought the need for poverty proofing and social inclusion into sharper focus for the organisation. The aims and objectives of the LAPS are: To build on the work of the Local Authority in relation to anti-poverty / social inclusion; To provide focused training and supports to assist in raising awareness and in promoting social inclusion policies; To promote more effective targeting of resources; To learn from the experiences of others involved in implementing local antipoverty work; and To promote greater inter-agency collaboration and networking on anti-poverty initiatives. The Councils Community and Enterprise Division has been working closely with all sections of Donegal County Council and other agencies to implement the priorities of LAPS. 2.5 Legislative Context The Peace III Action Plan is drawn up in accordance with the Employment Equality Act 1998 and Equal Status Act This legislation outlaws discrimination in employment, vocational training, advertising, collective agreements, the provision of goods and services and other opportunities to which the public generally have access on nine distinct grounds as follows gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community. This Action Plan will complement the work of the Equality Authority which was set up as an independent body under the Employment Equality Act 1998 to work towards the elimination of discrimination in Ireland. 2.6 Existing Funding Programmes In addition to the key legislative and policy frameworks, this Action Plan will complement existing government and EU funding programmes and initiatives including the Department of Foreign Affairs Anti Sectarianism Fund, the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme, the National Rural Development Programme, the funding allocated to the Orange Order via the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, International Fund for Ireland Sharing this 14

15 Space strategy and the Reception and Integration Agency of the Office of the Minster for Integration. 15

16 CHAPTER 3: SETTING THE SCENE This sections sets the scene for the Peace III Action Plan by first reviewing the impact of the Peace II programme in County Donegal, then analyzing the key socioeconomic characteristics of the County and finally presenting the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. 3.1 Review of Impact of Peace II Programme in Donegal The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation ( ), PEACE II, was a distinctive European Union Structural Funds Programme in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland (Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo). The Programme aimed to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promote reconciliation and was extended from Peace II Programme, Priority and Measure Level Analysis The Peace II Programme had five main priorities: 1. Economic renewal; 2. Social integration, inclusion and reconciliation; 3. Locally based regeneration and development strategies; 4. Outward and forward looking region; and 5. Cross-border co-operation. In County Donegal, a total of 275 projects received funding under the Peace II Programme, amounting to a total of 31.6 million of assistance for the county. An additional 91 projects received funding under the Peace II extension, with a value of 10.2 million. Over the Programme period , a total of 366 projects received funding in County Donegal, with a total value of 41.8 million. Almost half (49%) of all Peace II projects in the County were funded under Priority 3, Locally based regeneration and development strategies, and these projects accounted for almost 10 million. Almost two fifths (38%) of the total Peace II funding was spent under Priority 2, Social integration, inclusion and reconciliation, accounting for around 16 million. Measure 3.4, Improving Our Rural Communities, under Peace II, accounted for almost one third of approved projects in Donegal, with a value of over 4 million. Under the Peace II Extension, Measure 3.3, Building Better Communities and Improving Rural Communities, accounted for the majority (60%) of approved projects, with a value of almost 3 million. See Appendix 1 for further detail on Priority and Measure level funding Impact of Peace II in County Donegal in terms of Cross Border and Peace Building Work The types of cross border, peace-building work varied across the different Implementing Bodies involved in administering the Peace II Programme. Border Action and the Donegal County Council Task Force delivered over 97% of the projects implemented, under Peace II , with a spend of 40 million (96% of total in Donegal). These Implementing Bodies have identified the following types of activities under the Programme, in County Donegal: 16

17 Social, Economic and Cultural Dialogue work to include that aimed at both an individual level and at affecting attitudinal change at community or intergroup level, confidence building, counselling services and addressing issues of segregation; Education and Training to include economic issues such as skill attainment, wider social issues such as workplace discrimination or supporting organisations to develop equality and diversity work and projects engaged in political dialogue at an intercommunity level and had chosen to use or design education courses to facilitate this process; Community Infrastructure such as children s play areas, disabled access facilities, community centres, development of open spaces, cultural facilities and amenities; and Research to provide an enhanced knowledge on impacts of the conflict. The level of cross border activity generated under the Peace II Programme is illustrated in fig. 3.1 and 3.2 below and shows that Donegal had a higher level of crossborder activity that any other county involved in the Programme. Fig. 3.1: Extracted from presentation by BorderAction at Crossborder Workshop on 13 February 2008, source: 17

18 Fig. 3.2: Extracted from presentation by BorderAction at Crossborder Workshop on 13 February 2008, source: The impacts of this cross border work can be defined in general terms as: the mobilisation of people and their key role of civic society; new cross community/cross border relationships formed; the breaking down of barriers; raising awareness and understanding; creating opportunities to bring about change; and targeting people and areas most affected. These activities highlight the importance of cross border peace-building and reconciliation work and contribute to the added value of cross border work and the need for a shared vision. More specifically, communities benefit from the tangible benefits produced for both communities and for those on both sides of the border. Areas and groups are supported to help them find practical and mutually beneficial ways of working together, individuals and groups are challenged to take difficult decisions and communities capacity to engage in cross border/community work is strengthened. In the context of the Peace III Programme, the Partnership hope to build on these huge impacts and benefits achieved through the Peace II Programme. County Donegal has gained core expertise and invaluable experience in the delivery of Peace II projects such as: the pooling of experience; cross fertilisation and learning between organisations; promoting and facilitating greater co-ordination; and allowing for strategic thinking and targeting of resources. In this context, an opportunity clearly exists for County Donegal to continue to build on this expertise through the Peace III Programme. 3.2 Socio-Economic Review This chapter presents a number of indicators of need which highlight how the troubles have impacted negatively on County Donegal by specifically highlighting key marginalised and minority groupings within the county and the level of cultural, religious and ethnic diversity in our society and key structural weakness. It specifically highlights a number of indicators of needs that (see Appendix 10 for list of indicators) will provide a baseline and can be used to determine progress in 18

19 Donegal in achieving a Society that is free from Racism, Sectarianism and Prejudice and where Positive and harmonious relationships exist between communities at interface areas Demographics The total population of County Donegal in 2006 was 147,264 persons. This comprises of 31.4% of the total population in the Border Region in other words County Donegal has the largest share of the total population of the Border counties. (See Table 1). Table 1: Population of each Border County as a % of the Total Population of the Border Region, 2006 Population County Persons (Number) Persons (%) Donegal % Louth % Cavan % Sligo % Monaghan % Leitrim % Border Region % Over the period the population in County Donegal grew by 7% or at a slower rate than in either the Border Region or in the State (8.3% and 8.2% respectively) Urban Structure In County Donegal three quarters of the population (or 75%) reside in aggregate rural areas or areas that have a population under 1,500 inhabitants. This is in stark contrast to the Border region and the State where 65% & 39% of the total population reside in such rural areas. In County Donegal, 25% of the population reside in aggregate urban areas of Letterkenny & its Environs, Buncrana & its Environs, Ballybofey-Stranorlar, Ballyshannon & its Environs, Donegal Town, Bundoran & its Environs and Carndonagh. Of the 36,585 persons who reside in aggregate urban areas, 48% reside in Letterkenny & its Environs. Map 1, in appendix 12 highlights the electoral divisions of County Donegal and shows that most of the growth in recent years has occurred in the medium 2 and larger urban centres, mostly located in the North East of the county. In this regard, County Donegal has a weaker urban structure than in the Border Region or the State Population Density The total land area of County Donegal is 485,951 hectares, which represents 6.9% of the total area nationally. County Donegal is quite sparsely populated. Although there has been some improvement in the population density over the period 2002 to 2006, where the number of persons living per square kilometer has increased from 2 Populations between 500-1,500 inhabitants 19

20 28.5 to When this figure is compared to the national population densities of 56 persons per sq kilometer in 2002 and 60 in 2006 it is evident that the county is well below the national average with a low population density Age Structure Older Persons Table 2 (in appendix 11) presents an analysis of the age structure of the population in County Donegal, the Border Region and the State in It reveals that County Donegal has a higher percentage of its population over 65 years of age (12.5%) than in the Border region (12.2%) or the State (11%). Coupled with this County Donegal has a faster ageing population with 21.2% of the population falling into the age category compared to 17.8% in the State. Youth Population In addition, County Donegal has significant concentrations of its population (22.7%), falling into the younger age bracket (0-14 years) than in either the Border Regions (21.8%) or the State (20.4%). Therefore it is not surprising that County Donegal has a higher age dependency rate 3 (35.2) than in the Border Region (33.9%) or the State (31.4%) Nationality and Place of Birth Table 3 (a) below juxtaposes the place of birth of persons in County Donegal with persons in the Border Region and the State. It illustrates that County Donegal has a greater percentage of persons (or 19.1%) who stated that their place of birth is outside of Ireland than in either the Border Region (16.6%) or the State (14.7%). Table 3(a): Usually resident population (% of persons) of County Donegal, the Border Region and the State by place of birth, 2006 Place of Birth County Ireland UK Poland Lithuania Other EU 25 Rest of World Total Donegal 80.9% 15.7% 0.5% 0.2% 0.7% 2.1% 100.0% Border Region 83.4% 11.0% 0.9% 0.9% 1.2% 2.7% 100.0% State 85.3% 6.5% 1.5% 0.6% 1.9% 4.2% 100.0% Although 15.7% of the population residing in County Donegal had indicated that their place of birth was the UK only 4.5% cited that their nationality was UK. (see Tables 3(a) & 4 ). This table also indicates that despite County Donegal having the largest percentage of persons born outside of the county (19.1%) it also has the largest percentage of persons citing their nationality as being Irish (92%) than in either the Border Region (90.9%) or the State (88.8%) Table 4: Usually resident population (% of persons) of County Donegal, the Border Region and the State by nationality, The percentage of the population who are either under 15 years of aged ands over 65 years of age. 20

21 Nationality Study Area Irish UK Polish Lithuanian Other EU 25 Rest of World Not stated Total Donegal 92.0% 4.5% 0.5% 0.1% 0.6% 1.6% 0.6% 100.0% Border Region 90.9% 3.3% 0.9% 0.9% 1.1% 2.2% 0.9% 100.0% State 88.8% 2.7% 1.5% 0.6% 1.8% 3.5% 1.1% 100.0% Religious Composition Table 5 (a) (in appendix 11) breaks down the population of each of the counties in the Border Region according to their religion. It is clear from this table that both County Donegal and County Cavan have lowest percentages of their populations regarding themselves as Roman Catholic. In addition, both counties have a greater mix of religions. In County Donegal 4.5% of the population are Church of Ireland ; 4.0 % are Presbyterians ; 2.4% have No Religion ; 2.2% are other types of religions including Muslim, Other Christian Religions, Orthodox, Methodist etc Table 5 (c) (in appendix 11) presents a summary of population by religion in County Donegal, the Border Region and the State. It indicates that County Donegal has a greater range of religions than in the entire Border Region Ethnic or Cultural Background Table 6 (a) (in appendix 11) presents a breakdown of the usually resident population in County Donegal, the Border Region and the State by ethnic or cultural background. It highlights that County Donegal had an ethnically and cultural mixed society with 133,753 falling into the Irish category, 365 Irish Travellers, 6,976 falling into Any other White background, 593 falling into the African category, 63 into Any other Black background, 146 Chinese, 618 Any other Asian background, 982 falling into the Other including mixed background. Therefore, County Donegal is an ethnic and culturally diverse society. Table 7(a) below highlights that County Donegal had the second highest percentage share (21.1% or 365) of Travellers in the Border Region. Irish Travellers County Total Persons % Louth % Donegal % Sligo % Cavan % Monaghan % Leitrim % Border Region % Voluntary Activity In County Donegal 15.5% of the total persons aged 15 years and over (113,838) are involved in one or more voluntary activity. This would indicate a lower level of activity than in either the Border Region (16.5%) or in the State (16.4%). See Table 8(a) in appendix 11. In absolute terms County Donegal has the largest number of persons (17,679) involved in one or more Voluntary activity (See Table 8(b) in appendix 11). 21

22 Tables 8 (c) (in appendix 11) presents the percentage of persons involved per voluntary activity and this indicates that the largest percentage of persons aged 15 years and over in County Donegal (28.3%) are involved in helping or voluntary work with a social or charitable organisations ; the second highest category (23.4%) involves helping or voluntary work with a sporting organisation ; the third highest percentage category (21.7%) involves helping or voluntary work with a religious group or church. Table 8 (c) &(d) (in appendix 11) compares the position of County Donegal vis-à-vis the Border Region and the State in terms of persons involved in voluntary activity by type of activity. It highlights that County Donegal has a higher percentage involved in the helping or voluntary work with a social or charitable organisation and helping or voluntary work with a political or cultural organisation than in either the Border Region or the State The Economy of County Donegal The Labour Force 4 The total in the labour force in County Donegal in 2006 was 65,092. Although the labour force participation 5 rate has increased from 52.8% (1996) to 54.4% (2002) to 57.2% in 2006, it is still considerably lower than in the Border Region (60.3%) or in the State (62.5%). See Table 9(a) in appendix 11. Decomposing the Border figure further indicates that County Donegal has the lowest labour force participation rate of the other Border counties Louth (62.4%), Cavan (62%), Sligo (60.3%), Monaghan (62.3%) and Leitrim (59.8%). The Unemployment Rate The unemployment rate 6 in County Donegal has decreased from 22% (1996) to 15.6% (2002) to 12.9% (2006). Considering that the national rate of unemployment in 2006 was 8.5% and 10.1% in the Border Region, the county has unemployment rates well above the average. This is particularly significant when one considers that the unemployment rate in the neighbouring Border Counties were substantially lower- Louth ( 11.1%), Cavan (8.2%), Sligo (7.5%) Monaghan ( 7.7%), Leitrim (8.1%). (Calculated from Tables 10(a)-10 (d) in appendix 11) Employment & Nature of Employment The total number of persons, 15 years and over, at work in County Donegal in 2006 was (See Table 10(c) in appendix 11). This represents a 17.1% growth rate in the numbers employed over the period , however this growth rate was slower than in the State (17.6%). Table 11 (a) & 11 (c) (in appendix 11) presents a breakdown of the total number of persons at work of each of the counties within the Border Region by employment status and Industry. This table highlights that the 3 main employment sectors in County Donegal was in the Commerce and Trade 7 (12,498 persons), Professional Services 8 (11,466 persons) and Building and Construction (8,124 persons) industries. 4 Comprising of the population at work, the population of first time job seekers and the unemployed 5 Total Labourforce as a percentage of the population aged 15 years and over. 6 Unemployed plus 1 st Time Job Seekers as a percentage of the Labourforce 7 Commerce and Trade includes Wholesale and Retail Trade ; Banking and Financial Services and Real Estate Renting and Business Activity 8 Professional Services including Education and Health and Social Work 22

23 County Donegal has a higher percentage of its total number of persons at work in Building and Construction Industries (14.3%) than in either the Border Region (13.2%) or the State (11.2%). In addition County Donegal also had a higher percentage of its total number of persons at work in Professional Services i.e. Education and Health & Social Work (20.2%) compared to the Border Region (18.3%) or the State (16.5%). Finally County Donegal had a higher percentage of its population at work in the Public Administration (5.6%) than in the Border Region (5.4%) or the State (5.3%) Fastest Growing Broad Industrial Sectors The above figures are decomposed into broad industrial groupings in Table 11 (e) & (f) (in appendix 11) which allows us to determine, the change in the numbers at work by broad industrial sector over the period The greatest change in the number at work in County Donegal was in the Construction Sector (2685 persons or 49.1%). In percentage terms this growth rate is greater than in the State (44.2%). This percentage highlights the reliance of County Donegal and all of the other Border Counties on the Construction Sector. Fastest Declining Broad Industrial Sectors Employment in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sector declined by 6.09 % over the period (see Tables 11 (e) & (f) in appendix 11) When the Manufacturing Industries is decomposed into its various subsectors it is evident that Mining, Quarrying and Turf Production experienced a growth in employment (by 17.5%) however the other components Manufacturing Industries declined by 19.4% and the Electricity, Gas and Water Supply declined by 2.26%, both at a faster rate that in the State Carers County Donegal had the largest number of Carers (5,698) out of all the Border Counties followed by Louth (4,22 6 Carers), Cavan (2,553 Carers), Sligo (2,484 Carers), Monaghan (2283 Carers) and Leitrim (1,205 Carers). When the total number of Carers are expressed as a percentage of Total Persons 15 years and over, the average figure for the Border Region and County Donegal are on par while both percentages are higher than that for the State. (See Tables 12 (a ) (d) in appendix 11). In this regard, County Donegal has a higher percentage of persons 15 years and over who are carers than in the state Deprivation in County Donegal The Haase-Pratschke Relative Deprivation Scores 9 indicates that the deprivation score for County Donegal in 2002 was 9.6%, which was well below the average deprivation score for the State (+2.2 %). It is important to highlight that this figure further disguises pockets of even greater deprivation at subcounty level. The Donegal Gaeltacht area (-16.6%) and Inishowen (-12.0%) rank as the most disadvantaged areas within the County. The majority of electoral divisions in Donegal are located in what are described, as disadvantaged areas and a number are extremely disadvantaged Conclusion The indicators of need or disadvantage presented in the preceding sections has demonstrated the impact of the conflict on County Donegal resulting in severe structural weakness in the economy, a more diverse society in terms of ethnicity, 9 This index takes account of three dimensions of social disadvantage (including demographic decline, social disadvantage and labour market deprivation). The Relative Deprivation Scores is the absolute score after removing the underlying national trend of %. 23