ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the Equity, Diversity and Interdependence challenges being faced and responded to by organisations operating within the diverse set of territories making up rural Northern Ireland. Research indicates that there are multiple structures/organisations operating within the same local territory, that these often pursue overlapping objectives and generate a crowded arena for the delivery of local development. However, a significant driver for action at several levels is partnership between the public, private and community/voluntary sectors. Within Northern Ireland this configuration of partnership-working has facilitated the growth of a substantial civil society, arguably the bedrock for transformation in a divided society. Interviewees identified a raft of projects which had been supported by District Partnerships to promote social inclusion. Interviewees supported the need for training within the new Local Strategy Partnerships and suggested that if European Union Peace funds are going to be administered, then there should be an understanding by people of what the challenges are all about.
