Blackwater Regional Partnership
Blackwater Regional Partnership straddles an international border and is divided between three local authorities of Dungannon & South Tyrone, Armagh City & District and Monaghan County Councils. The Blackwater Catchment area lies to the south east of the province of Ulster and drains into Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. It is a fertile and active rural environment consisting of a varied landscape of hills and valleys, drumlins and flood plains all with their own natural characteristics.
The Partnership started life as the Blackwater Catchment Scheme, which was set up in 1994 to provide a vehicle through which the three councils might engage in a range of joint activities which the councils recognised were best addressed by adopting a partnership approach. The partnership operates from Caledon, Co Tyrone, which is central to the three local authority areas.
Since then, the partnership has been successful in securing over three million euro of EU funding to advance a number of priority projects, and has involved a wide range of stakeholders in their delivery.
The success of the partnership has been lead by:-
Defining the region
The identification of the area, has allowed the partnership to promote and market the natural beauty of the three council areas joinly.
Local Presence
Linked to stong local approach we have been able to deliver activities at grass-roots level while raising awareness of BRP's role and function.
Empowerment of people living within the region
A key underpinning factor is delivering activities have been from the 'but-in' and increased confidence of all particpants be that farmers, community groups and individuals. For e.g selected farmers on Blackwater's TRACE Programme have now a greater knowledge and awareness of the environment. Through Blackwater Re-Skilling Programme individual accessed training to help support personal development and upskilling.
Cross Border Networking
By bringing communities and people of similar interests together we have strengthen the link of everyone working together and sharing ideas.
Activity /Sector Lead
Due to the nature of our programmes from training courses, walks/trails development, water quality improvements or community linkages, all the activities have impacted postively enhancing a physical/tangible level, the environment of the catchment and also at social/human level for all living within the ctachment.
Policy Development
Through the work to date it was noted cross border relationship have been further development. There is a greater awareness of policy differences north and south and indeed a jointed-up policy approach has been explored through stakeholders research undertaken by the University of Ulster. In addition a socio-economic study completed on the Ulster Canal has been noted as a key strategic development in raising awareness of the canal corridor restoration and regeneration for the catchment.
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For further information about the work of Blackwater Regional Partnership please view: www.visitblackwaterregion.com or contact BRP's Offices in Caledon on 0044 (0) 28 3756 9000/9102, alternatively e-mail julieannspence@dungannon.gov.uk or catherinefox@dungannon.gov.uk.
