Two New Participatory Budgeting Events for Downpatrick District Electoral Area

Community groups and individuals from the Downpatrick District Electoral Area (DEA) will have a chance to gain funding for projects that help build community connections—within their community, across generations and with other communities. The monies, up to £750, are provided through Communities Leading Change Partners as part of the Participatory Budgeting Initiatives, now in its second year.

The two new budgeting initiatives for the Downpatrick DEA come after the success of the 2018 round where 21 projects submitted ideas, with 15 groups attracting funding of £500 each through community support. Over 5000 votes cast for the projects they thought best benefited young people throughout the district.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillor Oonagh Hanlon, Chairperson of Downpatrick’s DEA Forum said, “The Downpatrick DEA Forum is delighted to be hosting this year’s Communities Leading Change Participatory Budgeting Initiative. This scheme helps people find out about the wide range of positive community action being undertaken in their area.

“Participatory budgeting puts local people at the heart of decision making and gives them the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their everyday lives. I am looking forward to seeing what project ideas are put forward and how these will benefit the area.”

Last year Downpatrick Scouting Group was one of the successful groups and used their award to help towards purchasing new equipment for their members.

This year, groups are being asked to attend a voting event to pitch their ideas to the Downpatrick community which will be able to vote for the projects they think would make the most difference to their area.

For more information about these events, or an application form, please come along to the following drop in sessions, or email communityplanning@nmandd.org

Thursday 5 September at 10am – 11am or

Thursday 5 September at 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Ballymote Business and Community Centre, 40 Killough Road, Downpatrick

Caption:

Downpatrick Scouting Group, which received £500 from the 2018 Participatory Budgeting Initiative. From left standing: Reuben Blaney; Group Leader, Sarah Taggart; Aimé Crumley; Bréagh Denvir; Jimmy McLeigh. From left, kneeling: Emmet Johnston; Aoise O'Goan; Downpatrick DEA Councillor John Trainor.