Scourge of suicide is highlighted by DEA

Scourge of suicide is highlighted by DEA

2 March 2016

REDUCING suicide levels, pursuing the Ballynahinch by-pass and developing tourism are some of key projects likely to be discussed by the new Rowallane District Electoral Area group.

The body will comprise the five Rowallane councillors, plus eight community representatives, and will contribute to the local community planning process.

Community planning is a relatively new concept for Northern Ireland, introduced through

the recent Review of Public Administration (RPA) but has been in operation elsewhere in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The council-led process, with a statutory requirement for public bodies to participate, will engage with communities to produce an action plan on the most pressing local issues.

Nominations from the community, voluntary and business sector are being sought before April 8 and nominees have to show they have a number of interests. One seat is reserved for a youth nomination. 

These nominations will then be independently assessed.

Councillor Billy Walker, who is chairing the Rowallane DEA, introduced the concept at a public meeting in Ballynahinch last Tuesday. He explained that nominees could group together if necessary to form suitable networks.

“This is a dramatic change in the way council conducts their business,” he said. “Groups will have a voice within in the council and have the opportunity to contribute to the community planning process in their area.”

Rowallane DEA coordinator Ellen Brennan said they would be focussing on key areas such as health and wellbeing, economic development, the environment and safety and community relations.

Giving examples, she said: “Suicide is quite high in Rowallane. It needs a provisional strategy for a programme of education.

“In terms of economic development, regeneration and tourism there are key figures in Rowallane such as [engineer] James Martin, who invented the ejector seat, and the philosopher Frances Hutcheson.

“Under the environment there is the issue of the bypass.”

“This is an opportunity for local people to influence the development and implementation of the Newry, Mourne and Down Community plan,” Ms Brennan added.

“Just because your interest area has not got a seat on the forum doesn’t mean you won’t be able to contribute to community planning.”

Also addressing Tuesday’s meeting was Jenny McEneaney, from NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action).

She said the vision behind RPA and community planning was “a strong dynamic local government area, community vibrant, healthy, prosperous, safe and sustainable”.

“The voluntary and community sector is uniquely placed to help capture the feelings of citizens and to assist in encouraging their voices,” she said.

Members also heard about Peace IV funding opportunities.

Among questions raised by members of the public were queries over how those with “pet projects” could be weeded out of the nominees and what money was in place to pursue the community plan.

Ms Brennan said told there would be regular reviews of the new system and that they would be aware of those with “axes to grind”. It was also suggested that they first concentrate on the plan to ensure money was forthcoming.