Nominations for new DEAs to be sought at public meetings

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has recently established a Forum in each of its seven District Electoral Areas (DEA) supported by a specific DEA Coordinatorwho will proactively work in partnership with the community to deal with local identified issues.

DEA Fora are being developed as a model of engagement and must therefore provide opportunities for all sections of the community to participate in discussion and operate as part of the decision making process. Within the Forum Councillors, Council Officers and key statutory partners will have an opportunity to discuss and debate the issues with key community representatives.A major part of this work will be to develop and implement locally based action plans that take into account the diverse needs that exist within each of the seven District Electoral Areas across Newry, Mourne and Down District.

The establishment of this engagement infrastructure will further enable the community to effectively inform and influence the Community Planning Partnership at a strategic level.

DEA Coordinators (pictured below) are encouraging groups and individuals to attend the public meetings to ensure they can positively contribute to future planning and objective setting for their areas.

The DEA is looking for nominations for membership from the local community, voluntary and business sectors who can represent as wide a range as possible of key themes such as Arts, Carers, Sport/Recreation, Sustainable Development, Women/Men, Disability, Equality, Housing and Homelessness, Race/Ethnicity, Young People, Economic Development, etc. As there are only 8 places on each Forum available it is anticipated that potential Forum members will be able to demonstrate representation on behalf of a local network of groups rather than just their own. Come along to the first public meeting in your DEA to find out more! All meetings start at 7.00 pm.

DEA / Public meeting / Venue / Coordinator / Contact details
Rowallane / Tuesday
23 February / Market House, Ballynahinch / Ellen Brennan /
Downpatrick / Wednesday
24 February / Ballymote Community and Business Centre, Downpatrick / David Patterson /
07971 567894
SlieveCroob / Thursday
25 February / Annsborough Community Centre / Priscilla McAlinden /
SlieveGullion / Tuesday
1 March / Bessbrook Community Centre / Kate Bingham /
Crotlieve / Wednesday
2 March / Ballyholland Community Centre / Suzanne Rice /
Newry / Thursday
3 March / Sean Hollywood Arts Centre / Kerri Morrow / kerri.morrow@nmandd,org
The Mournes / Tuesday
8 March / St. Mary’s hall, Newcastle / Kathleen Magee /

For more information, contact the DEA Coordinator in your area