The International Fund for Ireland has marked its 100th board meeting by approving £10.8 million towards 24 schemes in 12 counties.
Meeting in Templepatrick, Co Antrim, yesterday, fund chairman Mr William McCarter hailed its record since inception in 1986. It is hoped yesterday's announced investment will generate nearly 200 new jobs.
The fund has invested some £498 million in about 5,300 projects which have been central to the economic development of the Northern and Border counties. It is claimed about 41,000 jobs have resulted from the investment and more funds levered from the private sector.
Mr McCarter said: "In some of the most deprived areas of this island it has been the external assistance we have been able to provide to allow communities to see the scope for the development, to put the differences of the past behind and to look to the future with confidence and assurance.
Some £900,000 is to be invested in the development of a a "business village" in the Belfast Harbour Estate. Other projects include a rural development project in Co Tyrone, a "reconciliation house" in Belfast for the Irish School of Ecumenics. There will also be an additional 300 places on a programme to build enterprise skills among teenagers from disadvantaged areas. An additional £780,000 is also to be given to the Urban Development Programme for nine schemes across Northern Ireland.
The fund will also invest in a communications network for Derry, Donegal and Tyrone, a community centre in Killybegs, Co Donegal, and a reconciliation initiative in Cooley, Co Louth.