Current Project "Peace Building in the Border Countries"

This research was commissioned by Strabane District Council in association with Donegal County Council under Peace 11 Measure 5.2.

Key Objectives:

1. Detailing a directory of comparable public agencies on both sides of the border in Strabane and Donegal (a 'who does what'?) that could be utilised for future cross-border projects (e.g. WELB, LYIT, Health Services).

2. Providing detailed case studies of models of best practice in cross-border public sector working in the areas of the arts, culture, libraries heritage and museums, drawing on examples predominantly, but not exclusively from Strabane, Donegal and the North West of Ireland. This will also include examples of best practice from other contexts such as tourism, health or education, where culture, heritage and arts can play a key role in delivering better service.

3. A detailed analysis of qualitative data drawn from focus groups of public sectors workers in Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council on the subject of past and potential cross-border public sector work, focusing on the areas of arts, culture, libraries, heritage and museums.

4. Design, dissemination and analysis of a detailed questionnaire which captures attitudes, past experiences and the potential for cross-border public sector collaboration in the region in the future.

5. Delivery of a Final Research Report which includes the following;
    • A Directory of comparable public agencies on both sides of the border.
    • Case studies of models of best practice.
    • Presentation of data collected.
    • Analysis of Data and case studies.
    • Recommendations and best practice guidelines into future cross-border public sector work.
    • Images / Photographs.