| An extension to the
current EU PEACE II Programme for Peace and Reconciliation was announced
in June 2005. This announcement means the Peace II Programme will
be extended by two years until 2008. An additional €144 million
has been allocated to this extension period towards Northern Ireland
and the border region of Ireland.
Local Strategy Partnerships (LSPs) will be the Intermediate Funding
Body for the new Measure 3.1 Local Economic Initiatives for Developing
Local Communities. This is an ERDF (European Regional Development
Fund) funded measure. If you would like more information about any
of the other new measures to be funded in the extension period please
visit the EU Grants website www.eugrants.org.uk To help us to target
our funding within the Banbridge District the Bridge Partnership
will extend its Integrated Local Strategy from 2006 -08.
The Bridge Partnership has been allocated £147,637 per annum
of the two year extension for project allocation and £30,000
of Technical Assistance funding per annum. At present we have only
be allocated a one year contract taking us through to 2007 but we
hope to secure the second year of our contract before the end of
Feb 2006.
In September 2005, The Bridge Partnership Board held an Away Day
when the Board prioritised themes for funding in the extension period.
The following Programmes were identified and indicative budgets
allocated to these Programmes.
| Programme |
Aim |
Indicative Budget |
Timescale |
| Youth |
To develop a programme which will continue to address the
needs of young people in the Banbridge District. |
100,000 |
2 years |
| Community Development |
To provide an integrated programme which will build capacity,
provide advice and networking opportunities and facilitate best
practice with regard community resources and community integration. |
100,000 |
2 years |
| Night-time Economy |
To develop a programme which will increase the safety and
well-being of residents of Banbridge town centre as well as
those who visit it or work in it at night. |
110,000 |
2 years |
It is anticipated these Programmes will open in late February /
early March 2006. Anyone wishing to make an application should contact
The Bridge Partnership for further details.
|
