Chapter 4 - Strengthing Regional Cohesion in a Global Context

SPG-SRC 3: To foster development which contributes to better community relations, recognises cultural diversity, and reduces socio-economic differentials within Northern Ireland

SRC 3.1 Foster patterns of development supportive to community cohesion:

• adopt a dual approach which will:
  
  
• facilitate the development of integrated communities where people wish to live together; and
• promote respect, encouragement and celebration of different traditions, and encourage communication and social intercourse in areas where communities are living apart.

SRC 3.2 Underpin the dual approach by fostering community interaction which could also contribute, over time and on the basis of choice, to greater community integration:

• develop partnerships between public, private, voluntary and community sectors to facilitate community co-operation and involvement in securing social, economic and environmental objectives;
• facilitate the removal of existing physical barriers between communities, subject to local community agreement;
• support the development of ‘shared places’ accessible to all members of the community;
• revitalise the role of town centres and other common locations well served by public transport as focal places for shopping, services, employment, cultural and leisure activities for the whole community;
• promote the development of major employment/enterprise areas in locations which are accessible to all sections of the community;
• improve and develop public transport to assist in providing safe and equitable access to services, facilities and employment opportunities essential to the vitality of local communities;
• strengthen the network of local museums and heritage centres and arts centres with a special focus on understanding cultural diversity; and
• promote cultural diversity through the creation of opportunities in the creative industries associated with the arts.