Launch of Phase 2 of the Shared Neighbourhood Programme – Holywood 17 June 2009

Thank you Denis [Denis Rooney, Chairman IFI]

I am delighted to be here today in Holywood to launch the second phase of the Shared Neighbourhood Programme and to formally acknowledge the next 11 estates to participate in this transformational programme.  A programme that recognises and supports communities who are ready to embrace a truly shared future.

It seems no time since Denis and I came together in August last year to announce Phase 1 of the Shared Neighbourhood Programme. I would like to pay tribute to Denis and to all involved with the International Fund who have not been afraid to get to grips with what I believe is the biggest challenge facing us all – the building of a Shared Future. Much has happened in the intervening 10 months: the first five estates are making steady progress on their Shared Neighbourhood journey.  This doesn’t mean that they are without their problems, but rather that they face those problems together from a starting point of mutual respect and tolerance.

I have also had the pleasure of launching a Shared Future new build scheme in Causeway Meadows in Lisburn at the start of this year with further launches of Shared Future Newbuild Schemes to come in the next few weeks.  Individually, these projects may seem relatively marginal: however, together they create the critical mass needed to transform our society from one that is segregated to one unified in hope for a better future.

Each of the 11 neighbourhoods unveiled here today have their own particular experiences that have brought them to this point.  They are to be congratulated on their forward-thinking and reassured that we will continue to support them in the journey ahead. These are the unsung heroes of our new dispensation: the vast majority of the work that goes on in these communities often goes unseen and is driven forward by people who work quietly to make their neighbourhoods safer and more inclusive places to live.

It is right, therefore, that we take opportunities like today to recognise the huge amount of time and effort that has been expended.

More of us than ever are on record as saying that we want to live in a mixed neighbourhood but that will not happen by itself. Without communities like the eleven launched here today, it will simply remain an aspiration.  You are making it a reality.  Individually and collectively, you show that sharing works and that your communities are enriched by the experience.  

And it’s not just out traditional divisions that we need to address. We have seen this week the quite disgraceful racist attacks on ethnic minorities in South Belfast. We must always take a stand against the fascists in our community – and the best way to counter them is to keep working on building Shared Neighbourhoods. I repeat, mutual respect, acceptance of diversity – the Shared Future – is the only way forward.

When I launched the New Housing Agenda back at the start of 2008, I made it clear that I wanted to provide housing solutions that would start to bring people together rather than continue to keep them apart.  

And that remains a priority. I don’t underestimate the enormity of the task ahead or doubt that there will be occasions when your commitment will be tested.  This, I appreciate, is only the start of the process and there are many months of dialogue, community consultation and planning ahead but I believe that each of your neighbourhoods will emerge from this process stronger and better equipped to build a better future for all your people.

Thank you for laying on such a packed programme today.  It is a wonderful testimony to the enthusiasm and sense of community within Loughview and Redburn.  I am also delighted that representatives from the other ten neighbourhoods have made the journey to join with you today.  You are all very welcome.

Thank you again for inviting me along today to share in this occasion with you. I will keenly follow your progress over the weeks and months to come, and you will have my support every step of the way.