Past Project
Border Compass, 2018
The Border Compass Project included a series of elements, which required collaborative working between different project partners.
Project Overview
‘Brexit at the Border’ Study
‘Brexit at the Border’ was a study in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and was published in June 2018. The study built on the work of the 2016 research initiative with QUB – ‘Bordering on Brexit’. The study gave a voice to border citizens and undertook to record those voices – through both an online survey which received almost 600 responses and a series of focus groups with 49 participants from across the Central Border Region. The resultant report highlighted the hopes and fears of border citizens in a post-BREXIT world and the overriding need to protect a hard won and valued peace.
ICBAN ensured those voices were heard by disseminating the resultant report to those involved in high-level negotiations, including the EU’s negotiating team and the UK and Irish Governments. To date, the study has been referenced in over 120 media publications worldwide and a research video was also produced.
‘Youthful Voices’
The Youthful Voices initiative was delivered with Verbal Arts. The focus of the work was with 14-17 year olds – those who were unable to vote in the BREXIT Referendum: by virtue of age or jurisdiction. Throughput the duration of the Youthful Voices programme, 54 Reading Room workshops were delivered to 29 young people. A two-day residential was held in Donegal which enabled some intensive discussion sessions, as well as some outdoor activities to encourage the breaking down of barriers. In November a ‘Top Table’ type event was organised which gave young people the opportunity to question local Councillors, MLAs, MPs and TDs on issues pertinent to them. The Youthful Voices programme resulted in a number of young people gaining an OCN Level 3 Accreditation as a Peer Facilitator, which will enable them to deliver the programme to other young people, as ‘Cross-Border Champions’.
A short digital film of the Youthful Voices programme was produced, capturing the enthusiasm and aspirations of young people living in this border area.
‘Looking Beyond Our Borders’
This element focussed on the experience and learning from other border regions of Europe to help counter the consequences of returning to a back-to-back development as a potential consequence of BREXIT. The paper examines strategies, models and solutions from other border regions of Europe, where one area within the EU adjoins another area outside of the EU. It explores some of the incentives for cooperation across borders in a changing environment. The report is authored by Mr Martín Guillermo-Ramírez of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) and includes case studies from different regions with an EU and non-EU interface.
Sustainable Solutions
The aim of the Sustainable Solutions element of the project was to bring together the learning and the outputs of the various elements referenced above into a set of tangible and long-lasting solutions to the challenges facing the Central Border Region. Three Sustainable Solutions workshops were held, with 53 participants attending. These included a workshop between Senior Council Officers and elected representatives on the Board of ICBAN, a session between Community Planning Coordinators from across the area, and a ‘Top Table’ type event which gave young people the opportunity to question local Councillors, MLAs, MPs and TDs on issues pertinent to them.
ICBAN also produced a Community Planning Mapping document covering the eight Member Council areas. This document was shared and refined with Community Planners and developed as a resource to inform future cross-border planning and activities.
The need for continued cross-border cooperation was highlighted as a priority as part of a renewed commitment given to future collaboration. As a result the ICBAN Management Board introduced new mechanisms to enhance the involvement of both the executive and democratic functions of local government in working together through the ICBAN cross-border partnership.
Final Conference
The Border Compass Final Conference event on ‘The Future of Cross Border Cooperation’ was held in the Slieve Russell Hotel, County Cavan on 30 November 2018. Mr. Breandán Ó Caoimh (Research Affiliate of the International Centre for Local and Regional Development – ICLRD) chaired and facilitated the gathering. 70 delegates attended; with all eight Member Councils of the ICBAN Partnership represented. The key theme was that the challenges facing cross-border cooperation would require concerted efforts across the entire border corridor area. The conference featured several inspiring Case Studies in Cross-Border Cooperation including the UNESCO Global Geopark initiative between Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council, and work on ‘Developing a Statement of Cooperation on Planning’ by Mid Ulster District Council and Monaghan County Council. The panel session saw questions and answers to stakeholders from across the Region on facets of cross-border cooperation, including, community safety, well-being, maintaining current employment levels and the environment.
Register Your Interest
Related Past Projects
Discover other ICBAN initiatives supporting regional development, cross-border cooperation and sustainable growth across the Central Border Region.
The Framework of Regional Priorities
Strategic initiative 2021-2027
Presenting a strategic response that is unique and tailored to the assets and characteristics of the Central Border Region.
BREXIT
Research initiatives completed with Queen’s University Belfast
Giving a voice to local communities on the impact of Brexit
Border Navigator 2019/2020
Reconciliation Fund Projects
The initiative provided an opportunity to build upon the outcomes of the 2018 Border Compass Project and had two key project elements; a research study relating to BREXIT; and a forum for strategic development.
Get In Touch
Ready to Get Involved?
For additional details on our programmes, partnerships and participation opportunities, please contact us today.