Fab Lab 6 Symposium “Fab Lab – An Innovative Tool for Peace

Building”

Pat ColganChief Executive, Special EU Programmes Body

19 August 2010

Special EU Programmes Body – Who We Are...

A statutory body created as a result of a treaty between two Member States - the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 1998

A Managing Authority, Joint Technical Secretariat and Paying Authority for EU Programmes – PEACE III and INTERREG IVA

Has a broad role to support North/South participation in INTERREG IVB and IVC Transnational and Inter-regional programmes

Launch of PEACE III and INTERREG IVA, April 2008

What are the EU PEACE Programmes?

• Unique EU Structural Funds Programmes targeting specified areas, sectors and groups.

• Working to address the legacy of the conflict in a sensitive and fair manner.

• Taking advantage of the opportunities available as a result of peace.

“Let the Dance Begin” statue on the Lifford - Strabane Border

What have the EU PEACE Programmes delivered?

PEACE I – 1995 to1999: Over 15,000 funded projects – total of €730 million

PEACE II – 2000 to 2006: Over 7,000 funded projects – total of €994 million

PEACE III – 2007 to 2013: Fewer number but larger scale strategic projects – total of €333 million

PEACE III Programme

PEACE III – 2007 to 2013: Focus on fewer number but larger scale strategic projects. Programme value €333 million.

Objective: “To reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.”

PEACE III - Designed to build upon success of PEACE I and II and create a legacy. Eligible area: Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland

PEACE III – Aims & Objectives

Aim: To address the legacy of the conflict and reconcile communities across Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.

Roads closed along the Border was one consequence of the years of conflict.

PEACE III – Aims & Objectives

Aim: To contribute towards the creation of a shared society

PEACE III - Programme delivery

Progress towards peace, reconciliation and stability.

Addressing the specific needs of different areas, sectors and cross-community groups.

Facilitating enhanced cross-border co-operation.

‘Skainos project’ will create a new cross-community living space within the heart of East Belfast.

Priority 2: Contributing to a shared society

Priority 2.1: Creating Shared Public Spaces

Priority 2.2: Developing key Institutional Capacities for a Shared Society –

European and International Networking

Ashton Centre, Belfast

The Ashton Community Trust is engaged in the delivery of various projects aimed at social and economic regeneration of the local area.

These include employment outreach, education and training, social economy businesses, community empowerment, and childcare.

Fab Labs – Potential Sites in Northern Ireland

Nerve Centre, Derry – Londonderry

The Nerve Centre was established in 1990 as a focal point for youth culture in Derry.

The Nerve Centre promotes creative collaboration and fusion between artists and provides a cultural outlet for many young people.

Fab Labs – Potential Sites in Northern Ireland

• Fab Labs will promote European and International Networking and exchange of best practice between Northern Ireland and other Fab Labs from post-conflict and conflict areas around the world

• The Fab Lab initiative can provide a shared space for young people and other target groups in Northern Ireland to explore and develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills in an international arena

• The Fab Lab initiative is an innovative tool to build peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland

Fab Labs and the Peace III Programme

Thank you

Any Questions?