Council launches public consultation on 2026–2029 Good Relations Strategy

Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging members of the public to share their views on its new Good Relations Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2029 through an online survey and a series of stakeholder engagement sessions taking place across the Council area this month.

The strategy and accompanying action plan aim to improve community relations by promoting positive relationships between people of different religious beliefs, political opinions and racial backgrounds. It also seeks to foster greater cultural diversity, understanding and respect for all cultural identities within the district.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has urged residents and stakeholders to take part in the consultation process to ensure the plan reflects the needs of local communities.

“The Good Relations Action Plan will set out a range of local initiatives designed to promote good relations in line with the four key priorities identified in the T:BUC Strategy, supported by funding from The Executive Office and Derry City and Strabane District Council,” he said.

“These priorities can be delivered through a number of mechanisms, including Good Relations Grant Aid, partnership projects with local community groups, training courses, workshops in primary and post-primary schools, Good Relations Week, and the delivery of community-based events.

“The needs of our communities are at the heart of this strategy, and as a Council we are keen to hear from a wide range of stakeholders to help identify key priorities and shape plans for the next three years.

“To support this, we have developed an online survey and arranged several public consultation sessions across the city and district. I would encourage everyone to attend their local event, take part in the consultation, and have their say on how this plan can serve everyone in our community.”

Public consultation events will take place as follows: Tuesday, January 13 2026, 2.00pm – Public Consultation, Derry (Green Room, Guildhall), Tuesday, January 13 2026, 7.00pm–9.00pm – Public Consultation, Claudy (Diamond Centre), Thursday, January 15 2026, 7.00pm–9.00pm – Public Consultation, Castlederg (Studio, Derg Valley Leisure Centre), Monday, January 19 2026, 2.00pm – Public Consultation, Strabane (Glenelly Room), Thursday, January 22 2026, 7.00pm – Online Public Consultation Session.

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To register your interest in attending a consultation session, please visit the registration link and select your preferred session: Public Consultations on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s New Good Relations Strategy 2026–2029, In addition to the consultation events, separate surveys for adults and young people have been developed to gather views on key issues and priorities. These can be accessed via the links below or by scanning the QR codes provided.

The surveys will remain open until Thursday, January 23 2026.

Adult survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoodRelationsCommunitySurvey. 

Young people’s survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCSDCGoodRelationsYouthSurvey.