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Cross-border panel launched

A new and unique cross-border group has been launched by Newry and Mourne District Council with funding support from the SEUPB’s Peace III programme. The panel contains 40 people ed from both sides of the border following a public application process. “This exciting initiative has emanated from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding last year between Newry and Mourne District Council and Louth Local Authorities and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Louth on this process. This joint initiative offers a great opportunity to work together, to listen to you our citizens and to seek your opinions on our services and facilities. It will also offer you, the members of the People’s Panel the chance to raise matters of concern to both Newry and Mourne District Council and Louth Authorities. The outworking of the People’s Panel will play an important role in the development of public services in Newry and Mourne and Louth. Councillor Finnan McCoy Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council added: “My council is very pleased to be partnering Newry and Mourne Council in this exciting venture. It will be very much a learning experience for everyone but having looked at the people who have put themselves forward I am satisfied that we have a very representative group from every perspective – community background, gender and race. I think that this blend of experience and expertise will be the critical success factor which will make this panel really effective. I want to acknowledge the support provided by the Peace III Programme and to acknowledge the work put into bringing the project to this stage by the officials from both councils and by staff from Peace III.” Prior to the official launch the members of the panel has participated in an inductions session by Frank Dologhan of Mentor Economic Developments who has been appointed as the panel facilitator.

 

Newry Reporter

2nd January 2013