Mayor of Causeway thanks community who helped shape local budgeting projects

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens has thanked community members and groups who have been trying a new way of spending public budgets across the Borough since 2017.  

To celebrate the impact of these projects and the work of those involved, Councillor McMullan hosted a special reception for both community members and practitioners who have taken part in Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiatives over the past eight years.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is an innovative democratic approach that gives local people a direct say in how a portion of public funds is spent within their communities. 

To date, 17 areas across the Borough have engaged in PB supported projects distributing funds through a PB approach, with each having a unique story, funding source, and background story.

Ballymoney’s Triangle Housing Association was one of the first organisations in Northern Ireland to be involved followed by Harpur’s Hill in Coleraine; the Northern Area Community Network (NACN) have also led the way in the Glens DEA in a partnership with a number of local communities; most recently we have seen the Rainey Day Fund in Coleraine, receiving support which was delivered by Radius Housing in partnership with the Hare’s Corner Cooperative.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, who hosted the thank you reception said: “I was delighted to meet such an interesting group of people today, who have all helped shape how participatory budgeting projects have been delivered for over almost a decade within our local communities.

“It was so interesting to hear about the many projects, including the most recent of which was delivered here in Coleraine – The Rainey Day Fund. 

“For myself as Mayor is it wonderful to see community groups from all over our Council area taking part and I am proud that we have been able to contribute towards some of these projects. My heartfelt thank goes out to everyone who has contributed to the success of all of these projects.”

A wide range of projects across the Borough have benefitted this new way of spending public budgets, located in areas such as Rathlin, Armoy, Cushendall, Garvagh and Glenariffe. With Cushendun, Rasharkin, Bushmills, Castlerock, Coleraine and Kilrea also participating in projects. Investment has also been made in community projects located in Loughgiel, Mosside, Stranocum and Ballintoy, with Ballycastle, Limavady and Ballykelly also joining the list. 

Several community groups were able to participate via the Northern Area Community Network’s (NACN) Glens Healthy Places Project, funded by the Department of Health. 

Noeleen Diver Spokesperson for PB works thanked the Mayor saying: “PB Works is committed to championing the value of participatory budgeting as a powerful tool for collaborative decision-making.

“We strive to advocate for this approach while supporting quality participatory budgeting initiatives throughout Northern Ireland. 

“By facilitating peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and drawing insights from those with more extensive experience in the participatory budgeting journey, we aim to enhance the impact of our efforts. Thank you to the Mayor for hosting community members and practitioners who have taken part in various projects.”

In total, just under £150,000 has been distributed through PB projects over the last eight years, with more than 5,000 people taking part.

During the reception, participants shared powerful and inspiring stories about their experiences. Their accounts highlighted how local people truly understand the needs of their communities and how giving them decision-making power ensures public money is used in the most meaningful and effective way.