Better Together Launch

This project is an 18-month cross-border, cross-community programme of events focusing on Community Development, Good Relations Building, reconciliation and mutual understanding. The project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and is facilitated by the Ballinamore Area Community Council Ltd. (BACC).

Together the IFI and BACC are supporting organisational and community development; promoting cultural awareness; enhancing skills development; facilitating youth programmes and building on peace building in both Leitrim and Fermanagh areas.

Activities and events will be delivered through local groups, many of whom attended the Launch on the night. A large number of local representatives including Diana Armstrong, Vice Chairperson, and Tony McLaughlin, Good Relations Officer,Fermanagh Omagh District Council, and Enda McGloin, Cathaoirleach, Leitrim County Council, were present along with Bernie Butler representing International Fund for Ireland.

Diana Armstrong said “I am very pleased to be here in Ballinamore tonight” she said “I am familiar with a similar project which has forged firm friendships between Leitrim and Fermanagh and this new project will build and further develop these friendships”. I wish “the entire project well and feel it is important to promote greater understanding and acceptance of diversity between communities thereby reducing sectarianism”

The Youth4Peace and the Sports4Peace programmes will include activities to help create mutual understanding amongst young people from counties Leitrim and Fermanagh, engaging them in team building and leadership skills.

Lisnaskea and Ballinamore Men’s Sheds will build relationships both cross border and cross community, by taking part in cultural and social events. They will also have the opportunity to build and share skills within their respective Sheds.

The Ballinamore Hen’s Shed and Fermanagh Writers Group will collaborate in writers’ workshops and build relationships through cultural and social events.

There will be an over arching series of Good Governance workshops and Capacity Building sessions to enable ongoing cohesive and effective community building in the Ballinamore and surrounding areas.