AQO 13/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/02/2024
Answered On Date: 20/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the Together: Building a United Community strategy.

Answer:

There has been significant progress in delivering the Together: Building a United Community Strategy since its implementation, with a number of the headline actions fully achieving the targets set in the Strategy.

Over 30,000 young people have taken part in 870 T:BUC Camps and five Urban Villages areas have been established.

The target of building 10 shared neighbourhoods has been met. Furthermore, this programme has acted as the catalyst for DfC’s Housing for All programme and to date 76 shared housing schemes totalling over 2,500 shared homes have been delivered or are in development.

Over 27,000 participants took part in the Uniting Communities programme of sporting events and young leader training. Over 6,000 young people participated in the United Youth programme.

The first Shared Education Campus at Limavady is now operational, with work expected to commence soon on the Ballycastle Shared Education Campus.

Approximately one third of interface barriers have been removed, with a further third reduced in stature. Work continues across other interface sites to secure the conditions needed for reduction or removal.

Officials are currently conducting a review of the T:BUC Strategy and we recognise the ongoing importance of Good Relations in creating a place where everyone can prosper.