Write a commentFollowing the inaugural Pubic DEA Meetings in the area this month Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have established seven DEA Fora and are seeking eight nominations from local networks from the community, voluntary and business sectors to sit as a representative on each Forum to ensure local people will be contributing to the process.
Each public meeting provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s approach to Community Planning and how they could become actively involved.
Over the last few weeks, the seven District Electoral Area (DEA) Fora’s; Crotlieve, Downpatrick, the Mournes, Newry, Rowallane, Slieve Croob and Slieve Gullion held their first public meetings, with each meeting attracting a large number of attendees who were keen to learn more about the structure and work of their local forums.
The meetings were held to help to inform communities that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council now holds responsibility over Community Planning and the development of Council’s Community Plan 2016 – 2030.
Sector Matters from Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) outlined the benefits to networks of joining their local DEA. They highlighted the need for groups to be able to represent a network of groups other than just their own to ensure as wide a representation as possible on each forum.
Following each of the meetings, PEACE IV Officers undertook a consultation and information session outlining the levels of European funding available to groups and the categories into which projects must fall to attract a grant.
Feedback received at the public meetings demonstrates that they were considered a huge success with those in attendance becoming much better informed on a number of issues. Going forward DEA Forums will provide communities with a voice in local Government and will give them the opportunity to participate in discussions and operate as part of the decision making process.
Further public meetings will be held throughout the year to ensure ongoing, effective community consultation and engagement so if you missed the first public meeting be sure to get yourself along to the next one and have your voice heard.
Nominations
Nominations are now being sought from networks representing the community, voluntary and business sectors throughout the district were launched on 8 March 2016.
Nomination forms are available to download from the Council’s website www.newrymournedown.org or alternatively hard copies can be provided by your local DEA Coordinator (see below)
Please note that completed nomination forms must be returned to Sector Matters, NICVA on or before Friday 8 April 2016 at 4pm.
DEA Coordinators
Rowallane
Ellen Brennan
ellen.brennan@nmandd.org
07973704917
Downpatrick
David Patterson
david.patterson@nmandd.org
07971 567894
Slieve Croob
Priscilla McAlinden
priscilla.mcalinden@nmandd.org
07817 531876
Slieve Gullion
Kate Bingham
kate.bingham@nmandd.org
02830 839666
Crotlieve
Suzanne Rice
suzanne.rice@nmandd.org
07793 883664
Newry
Kerri Morrow
kerri.morrow@nmandd.org
028 3031 3071
The Mournes
Kathleen Magee
kathleen.magee@nmandd.org
07816 326360
