Donegal Travellers Project Peaceplus programme launched in Lifford

Donegal Travellers Project supported the creation of a participative democracy toolkit through their Peaceplus-funded project ‘Diversity and Decision-Making in an Intercultural Future’; funded under the Donegal County Council Peaceplus Co-Designed Local Community Action Plan, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The toolkit, which was launched at Lifford County Council chamber, was written by Ann Irwin in collaboration with DTP staff, and the foreword was provided by Liliana Fernández (National Women’s Council of Ireland) and includes input from Balume Dube (Donegal Intercultural Platform).

Freya Stancombe-Taylor from Donegal Travellers Project opened the event, having chosen the date as it marked International Democracy Day, ‘alongside solidarity, inclusion, and participation, the sharing and availability of knowledge on how our systems work and how to get involved is an important part of creating the conditions for community empowerment’.

The project’s aim was to create a legacy piece which succinctly shares participative democracy information. Chairperson of the Peaceplus partnership, Cllr Paul Canning, as officiant of the event, said: “I would like to acknowledge the commitment of Donegal Travellers Project, the Peaceplus Partnership Committee, Donegal County Council Peace team, community partners, and all those involved in developing this valuable resource. Your collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society.”

The toolkit will be published in at least five languages and a digital-audio version, and will be disseminated through various channels including the DTP website, the PPN, Donegal County Council, local Citizens Information offices and other local community organisations.

Cllr Canning added that ‘As one of 32 projects being delivered through Donegal County Council's €7.6 million Peaceplus Local Action Plan, this development represents a significant investment in the local community.

It will help strengthen connections, promote inclusion, and contribute to building a more peaceful, shared, and prosperous future for County Donegal’.

Roma Health Coordinator for DTP, Hugh Friel, in his speech at the launch reflected that ‘Donegal has an opportunity here to build a culture of participation where diversity is seen not simply as a problem, but seen as a strength, where Travellers, Roma, Black and ethnic minority communities and people of different genders and identities are not simply consulted when a project is being designed, but are involved in shaping the decisions from the beginning’.

In attendance were members of Donegal County Council, the Peaceplus team, the Donegal Public Participation Network, Donegal Travellers Project staff, and project affiliates such as Inishowen Development Partnership, Donegal Intercultural Platform, Citizens Information, Library and Culture Division Services, and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team from ATU Letterkenny.

If you would like more information on how to access the toolkit, contact Freya at Donegal Travellers Project on 0868257836 or email [email protected]