iCommunity Report Sets Out Vision for All-Island Collaboration on Shared Challenges
The Wheel and the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) today (3 October 2022) launched a report in Dublin that sets out a new vision for increased all-Ireland collaboration on shared challenges, including climate action, rural development, and digital connectivity and remote work.
The report is based on a series of conversations with communities across the island under the banner of the iCommunity project, a joint initiative of The Wheel, the national association of charities, and NICVA. The document, iCommunity: A Vision for Addressing Challenges on our Shared Island identifies an ambitious programme of work for civil society stakeholders to advance on a shared island basis.
The iCommunity project is supported by the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, and the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department for Communities.
Speaking in advance of the launch of the report in Dublin, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said,
“The iCommunity project is playing a really important part in the Government’s Shared Island initiative, as it seeks to engage with all communities and political traditions to build a better, shared future.
The iCommunity project shows what can be achieved when people North and South collaborate on things that matter for their communities, like climate action, community development, and social enterprise.
I want to thank The Wheel and the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action for all their work on this report, which will help shape the agenda for all-island civic engagement in the time ahead.”
Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA, said,
“I am pleased to support the vision of collaborative working on a shared island basis for the good of all. We have many challenges in common and it is only right that we work together to share learning and find the best and most effective solutions for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in our society.
“I want to pay tribute to our community and voluntary sector who often lead the way in identifying innovative, creative and responsive solutions on the ground. It is by listening and involving all voices that we will ensure effective policy and decision-making and better social, economic and environmental outcomes across this island.”
Deirdre Garvey, CEO of The Wheel added,
“This report details the positive story of what happens when people north and south collaborate to agree on priorities for action in areas that matter to them such as developing the island economy and social enterprise; delivering on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving a just transition to a decarbonised future, and achieving digital connectedness and inclusion. It is the first of what The Wheel and NICVA hope will be many positive outcomes from collaborations by people and communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland working together to address shared challenges on a shared island basis.”
Seamus McAleavey, CEO of NICVA said,
“This report confirms there is a real appetite amongst community and voluntary organisations on this island to collaborate more to improve outcomes for people and enhance our society. Voluntary and community organisations have always collaborated on a north south basis, we learn and share knowledge and experiences. We have the same problems and opportunities on the environment, rural peripherality, the economy and potential for ‘remote working’. The iCommunity pilot project demonstrates that digital developments enhance our opportunities for exchanging experience without having to always travel a hundred miles or more to a venue. We, in The Wheel and NICVA have a track record of collaboration on practical matters that benefit our members. This report reaffirms the need for more and both our organisations’ Boards are committed to that challenge.”