Cavan County Council PIV Action Plan - BPR

The Cavan PEACE IV plan and the annexes contained within this document were developed after extensive consultation to address the three themes of; Children and Young People, Shared Spaces and Building Positive Relations. The successful completion of the PEACE III Programme gives confidence to Cavan to proceed with this PEACE IV bid and build on what has gone before. From a design perspective, the focus is on young people in County Cavan and County Fermanagh working across the border to form positive and productive relationships with others of a different background and other targeted groups within the same geographical boundary, including travellers. Also, the opportunity to provide a ‘shared space and services leading to more cohesive society. Small grants and open call - tenders to targeted groups forms part of the proposal. Delivery will be in the shape of partnership delivery programmes that have proved successful in the past. The outputs and results of the project, aligned to the Programme outputs and results and documented in section [1]. The design has gone through a robust SMART test and as such the objectives are capable of being monitored with a high degree of accuracy from outputs to stated results. The activities supporting the stated objectives are clearly stated in section [3] and complement the SMART approach set out in section [2] and provides the confidence and evidence necessary for taking this course of action as expressed through the various activities clearly numbered and linked to each objective. In keeping with the overall PEACE IV cross-community and cross-border partnerships, the plan recognises the value of these partnerships and cooperation and again reflected in the activities supporting the stated objectives. The project contributes to the key regional policies and the significant interconnections between the eleven [11] strategies and plans documented in section four [4]. Additionality is also addressed making sure value-for-money in the investment is achieved. The same depth of analysis was carried out to ensure that this new money was not causing displacement, and we are confident that this is not the case. Furthermore, we are in the process of completing a full audit of community projects which will help prevent any drift towards duplication/displacement. The period between the completion of PEACE III and this application was used to establish the need, on past experience and translate this learning into this plan. We believe the process represents ‘best practice’ having followed the route of consultation with local groups and services and previous PEACE funded projects. The Cavan PEACE Conversation workshop was the perfect vehicle to inform our approach to PEACE IV and a greater understanding and openness around cross-community engagement and respect; which after all, is central to this and all the PEACE programmes. Having arrived at the objectives and the associated activities, the Peace action plan gave considered to the options around delivery and arrived at the preferred options. The decision was arrived at after setting very clear criteria to ensure reconciliation as a result of the actions. Section [6] sets out an analysis of the various approaches which were considered and the preferred method for the implementation of the plans through a mixture of partnership delivery, open calls for small grants and shared spaces and services and open call through the public tendering process. Learning and experience from the past would suggest this is the best way ahead for the Cavan situation and will ensure better value for money, efficient and timely delivery in a cost effective manner. The experience of managing Peace III and the ongoing support and training provided through the SEUPB provided the clarity necessary to complete the financial planning and budgeting for this PEACE IV plan. The lead partner has a wealth of experience in accounting and management of finances with an extensive financial and control system based on Local Government plus the necessary expertise in the application of the EU rules as demonstrated in the successful implementation of the PEACE III action plan. Under the simplified cost options, unit costs are not proposed for use during the implementation of the Cavan Peace Action Plan but rather use the flat rate option – 15% of direct salary cost. This simplification option will also be passed on to any delivery agents external to Cavan County Council. Section [7] includes the Cavan management and reporting system; again building from the success of PEACE III and found fit for purpose from both internal and external examination. The management approach flowing from the structure is also referenced and together with the robust management system any issues around state-aids and procurement will be safely managed as will the cash-flows arrangement that ensures uninterrupted delivery within the agreed timeframe. The various financial tables and details of staff cost complete this critical section and logically moves to section [8] where the risks have been carefully considered and presented. The risks will be part of the agenda at each meeting as the documented risks reflect the volatile and changing environment as a result of Brexit and other political changes at local and International level. Section [9] sets out how the plan complies with the Sustainable Development Strategy, adopted by the European Council and in parallel respects the National Sustainability Strategy. Reference was made earlier to the management structure, and section [10] provides the opportunity to elaborate on this experienced, tried and tested approach to project delivery under PEACE including good governance, strong leadership and capacity at County Council level to deliver to lead on a grant of this size and complexity.

The Building Positive Relations strand of Cavan County Council’s PEACE IV Action Plan involved engagement with a number of target groups including: Women; Minority Groups; Community & Voluntary; Local Development Companies; Social Inclusion; Environment; Older People and Disability Interests; Youth; Local Businesses, as well as Agriculture and Farming. Voices of the Troubles; This unique oral history project involved 85 people from the border area of Cavan and Fermanagh, who were interviewed during 2017 and early 2018 to find out how ‘the Troubles’ (1968-1998) affected their lives. The interviews were carried out by Maurice O’Keeffe, of Irish Life and Lore on behalf of Cavan County Library Service. All interviews were handled in a sensitive manner, allowing participants the opportunity to discuss their feelings and emotions in many instances for the first time. Fostering Shared Communities; This project aimed to engage minority and marginalised groups with members of the wider community in a bid to: reduce existing levels of isolation; polarisation; division; prejudice; racism and stereotypes through the development of community co-operative style hubs. The two hubs were located in Cavan Town, with 43 participants taking part and Ballyjamesduff, Cavan, where 85 participants took part. Some participants were encouraged to train as community leaders to ensure the project benefits extended to the wider community. Building the Capacity of Minority Communities: This project aimed to increase the capacity of 30 Cavan Travellers to build better relations and understanding with the wider community. The Traveller community in Ireland is considered highly disadvantaged, with low educational levels, poor health outcomes and discrimination being well documented. Peace IV provided the opportunity to build on the work/support offered to Cavan Travellers during Peace III. The new programme included dealing with conflict situations between Travellers and the wider community and created opportunities for social interaction and integration between both communities.