This is the second phase of the Border People (www.borderpeople.info) information website, being developed in a continuing partnership with the North/South Ministerial Council. This project is led by the Centre for Cross Border Studies’ IT manager, Joe Shiels, assisted by information officer, Annmarie O’Kane.
Phase Two allows for a much more systematic dissemination and marketing of information and public feedback on cross-border mobility issues, assisted by an active and enlarged User Group drawn from a wide range of citizens advice, employment advice, local authority, business and community organisations. Performance is being reviewed against agreed targets for information content, along with regular statistical website reports to evaluate demand and usage. An annual survey tests whether the interests of users are being matched and how well the various website features are working. 92% of users in a 2010 survey said that they ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ with the statement that Border People is ‘an important and valuable resource’ for people living and working in the Irish border región.
The Steering Group for this project is drawn from the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat, the Centre for Cross Border Studies, the Department of Finance and Personnel (NI), the Department of Social and Family Affairs (RoI), Citizens Advice Northern Ireland, Citizens Information Board (RoI), and the EURES Cross-border Partnership. User group meetings on specific topics of concern to cross-border workers and other interested people are organised every six months at a location in the border region.
Hi
I am a Barrister from Galway with interest in community and sport.
It seems to me that co operation and getting to know one another should not be limited to border regions. All parts of Ireland need to get to know each other. I suggest more contact between people in the West and the North such as twinning of towns and villages,exchange visits and young people getting to know one another.
There is also room for the legal and other professions to get to know one another. In Galway we have great links with Barristers in the South West of England and have had great trips on both of the west coasts.
regards
Michael O Connor