Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down District Council have recently established seven District Electoral Area Forums (DEA’s) to proactively work in partnership with the community to deal with local identified issues.
The Forums will operate across the following areas: Slieve Gullion, Slieve Croob, Rowallane, Downpatrick, The Mournes, Crotlieve and Newry.
DEA Fora are being developed as a model of engagement and must therefore provide opportunities for all sections of the community to participate in discussion and operate as part of the decision making process. Through the operation of the Fora, Councillors, Council Officers and key statutory partners will also have an opportunity to discuss and debate the issues with key community representatives.
A major part of this work will be to develop and implement locally based action plans that take into account the diverse needs that exist with each of the seven District Electoral Areas.
The establishment of this engagement infrastructure will further enable the community to effectively inform and influence the Community Planning Partnership at a strategic level.
Newry DEA Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Heart said, “ I'm delighted to have been elected Chair of the Newry City DEA. This is the first time that a Forum such as this has been established and it gives us a unique and effective opportunity to allow our new Council to meet its strategic objectives as outlined in the Community Plan. Each DEA operates as a mechanism for communication between Council, Community and relevant Statutory and Voluntary Agencies. It will provide for continuous engagement at a grass roots level to help develop locally based action plans on agreed issues with progress monitored through local bi-monthly Forum meetings.”
