THE International Fund for Ireland (IFI) has allocated £2,356,535 (€2,639,319) to further support community projects across Northern Ireland and the southern border counties at a critical time in peace building work, with a Lisnaskea project one of those chosen to benefit.

Turas Na nDoine in Lisnaskea is one of 12 successful projects in the latest funding round, and it will receive £171,071 for a period of two years.

The funding will help the project to continue its peacebuilding and cross-community engagement in East Fermanagh. These are core elements of the project, and there are a number of new opportunities it is keen to develop that will include more intra-community and inter-community work.

Funded groups currently face many obstacles including dealing with the long-term effects of the pandemic; some are offering alternative paths to create more opportunities and positive life choices.

The IFI was set up by the British and Irish governments as an independent organisation in 1986, and delivers a range of peace and reconciliation initiatives across Northern Ireland and the southern Border counties.

Funding has been allocated to projects within the IFI’s Peace Impact Programme (PIP) and Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP).

The PIP is designed to deliver positive transformation in communities that have not previously, or have only partially, participated in peace building and reconciliation activities.

Paddy Harte, IFI Chairman says: “Peace and reconciliation work is experiencing a particularly challenging period. The long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic are just beginning and social impact issues such as mental health, employment and financial struggles are affecting many.

“Genuine fears presenting themselves in this post-pandemic society, alongside the ongoing fallout from Brexit, are creating uncertainty.

“This year we have had significant centenaries, anniversaries, increased calls for a Border poll and dissatisfaction from some on how the Good Friday Agreement hasn’t delivered for all communities here.

“Issues such as culture, identity, legacy, flags and bonfires continue to be used by some to cause contention across our society, but those of us in positions of leadership and influence must bring communities to a point where they can work together to find tangible solutions.

“The IFI is enabling projects to have difficult and sensitive discussions with discontented communities who are feeling very isolated, but we will continue to facilitate positive conversations that offer alternative options for progress.

“We have worked for 35 years, building relationships, and giving marginalised communities hope and positive opportunities that build resilience. We also have much to celebrate in what we achieved, to date, on our peace building journey."

The Chairman also took the opportunity to thank the international donors to the Fund for their support, including the European Union, and the governments of the United States of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.