Inaugural DEA Public Meetings Prove to be a Great Success

Inaugural DEA Public Meetings Prove to be a Great Success. 

The inaugural meetings of Rowallane, Downpatrick and Slieve Croob District Electoral Forums (DEA) have been held, attracting over 220 attendees who were keen to learn more about the structure and work of their local forums.

Rowallane DEA Chairman, Councillor Billy Walker kicked off the public meetings on Tuesday evening in The Market House, Ballynahinch which was very well supported by the community. Those in attendance were advised that the Council now had responsibility for community planning and development of the Council’s Community Plan 2016-2030. The audience were advised that in order to ensure local people could contribute to this process the Council had established seven DEA Fora and would soon be seeking eight nominations from local networks from the community, voluntary and business sectors to sit as a representative on the Forum.

On Wednesday night the Downpatrick Forum led by their DEA Chairman, Councillor Colin McGrath held their first meeting in the Ballymote Centre with a large crowd in attendance.  At each of the public meetings, Sector Matters from the 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 the forum.

Annsborough Community Centre was the venue for the Slieve Croob public meeting which was led by DEA Chairman, Councillor Stephen Burns.  Once again a large crowd turned up with many of those present coming from Finnis, Leitrim and Ballyward who had previously been governed by the Legacy Banbridge Council.  The meeting provided them with an opportunity to learn about Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s approach to community planning and how they could become actively involved.

Following each of the DEA public 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 demonstrated how successful they were and gave residents the chance to meet their local DEA Forum members, find out why the DEA Fora were established and learn about the process for nominating community representatives.  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 meeting, make sure to get yourself along to the next one and have your voice heard.

Interested parties are encouraged to keep a close eye on the press and social media in the near future as nominations will be sought from established networks of groups representing the community, voluntary and business sectors throughout the district to sit on the Forum.

If you require any further information or have any questions in relation to the DEA Forum in your area please contact the relevant officer listed below: