Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s seven District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums have each elected a new Chairperson to provide leadership and support for the 2019-20 period. The seven DEA Forum Chairperson appointments are as follows:
- Newry: Councillor Liz Kimmins
- Crotlieve: Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly
- Slieve Gullion: Councillor Mickey Larkin
- Downpatrick: Councillor Oonagh Hanlon
- Rowallane: Councillor Patrick Brown
- Slieve Croob: Councillor Roisin Howell
- Mournes: Councillor Sean Doran.
The DEA Forums have been developed as a model of engagement and provide opportunities for all sections of the community to participate in discussion and operate as part of the decision-making process. Each DEA Forum is supported by a specific DEA Coordinator. DEA Coordinators play a pivotal role in coordinating their respective DEA Forum and pro-actively work in partnership with the community to address local identified issues.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said: “We value the work of the DEA Forums as they play a vital role in enabling the community’s voice to be heard at a local level and to undertake projects for the benefit of people who live in the DEA area.
“Community and Voluntary groups are also central to this aim and they have a crucial role to play in improving the quality of life for local communities through their expertise.”
The DEA Forum’s hold regular public engagement events to provide the residents with the opportunity to participate and have their voices heard. Amongst the many projects that the DEA Forums have implemented with their partners in the last year include the YAFTA awards, which recognise young people who have made a contribution to the community across the district; Walk for Life events to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, and Senior Shindig and Sliver Screening projects providing information and support to older people.
The 2019-20 year will see the DEA Forums extend their respective programmes further in terms of developing strategic partnerships with their local communities.
For further information regarding your local DEA Forum, please contact the DEA Office at 028 3031 3066 or email :aisling.rennick@nmandd.org who will put you in touch with your local DEA Coordinator.
