Anti-sectarianism cash allocated

Eight groups are receiving grants

The first grants from a new Irish government anti-sectarianism fund have been allocated.

Seven of the eight grants, which total 390,000 euros, were given to groups involved in cross-community work in NI.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the grants would help tackle the scourge of sectarianism.

"Whether through education, dialogue or the exploration of culture, we can promote tolerance and acceptance of our cultural diversity," he said.

"And by breaking down religious, social and cultural barriers, we can extend our knowledge and understanding of each other's cultures, beliefs and traditions.

"I would encourage groups and individuals with proposals in this area to apply to my Department for funding under this scheme. Together we can hasten an end to sectarianism in our society."

The groups being allocated the awards are:

• 174 Trust, Belfast, 40,000 euros - a non-denominational community development organisation using former Presbyterian Church buildings as a shared space for engagement between the two main traditions in north Belfast.

• Clonard Monastery Youth Centre, Belfast, 15,000 euros - the centre has a programme of activities for people aged 10-20, including those from loyalist areas of north Belfast.

• Football Association of Ireland, Dublin, 25,000 euros - towards the costs of an anti-sectarianism programme

• Holy Family Youth Centre, Belfast, 25,000 euros - towards a joint project between Holy Family Youth Centre and First Step Drop-in on York Road, to engage young people who live on the interface.

• Integrated Education Fund, Belfast, 150,000 euros

• Saint's Youth Centre, Belfast, 20,000 euros - towards the delivery of cross-community contact programme with young people from Ballybeen, Dundonald.

• VOICE Highfield Reconciliation Project, Belfast, 40,000 euros - the group's aims include victim support, interface management, and cross-community and cross border community relations.

• Youthcom, Belfast, 75,000 euros - towards a three-year cross-community youth intervention project involving eight loyalist youth groups and nationalist youth centres.