4. Mr Kelly asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on plans for a future Urban Villages initiative. (AQO 1888/22-27)

With your permission, Mr Speaker, junior Minister Reilly will answer the question.

We know the significant and positive impact that the current Urban Villages programme has had on communities, working through successful delivery of the remaining capital projects, which will increase access to shared-space facilities and continue to promote integration across the five Urban Villages areas and beyond.

We have set out the strategic direction for Urban Villages. It includes completing the current Urban Villages plan and securing the sustainability of capital projects by supporting those community organisations that are taking forward large capital projects.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire shóisearach as a freagra.

[Translation: I thank the junior Minister for her answer.]

Before I move on, may I bend procedure, just a little, in order to welcome the Holy Cross Boys' Primary School's school council and teachers who are in the Public Gallery?

Will the junior Minister detail the criteria that will be required to be met in order to be part of phase 2 of the Urban Villages programme?

I thank the Member for his question. I echo his welcome to the school. As we come to the end of phase 1 of the Urban Villages initiative, it is worth reflecting on the fact that the project has supported a range of community-led, cross-cutting and capital projects that have made a real difference to improving good relations. Along with junior Minister Cameron, I have visited many of those projects. I know that the Member has been supportive of that work in his North Belfast constituency.

It is also worth noting that, to date, the Urban Villages programme has delivered approximately £50 million of capital investment and £15 million of revenue investment. Over 58 capital projects have now been completed. They had over 417,000 users, delivered 1,800 programmes, activities and training courses, and created 923 construction and administrative jobs. We are planning for a future Urban Villages programme that will include joined-up delivery between Departments and enhance the linkages that the Urban Villages programme has made in supporting ministerial priorities. We have also established a working group to take forward the development of phase 2 of Urban Villages. That will include establishing the criteria for the future programme. As I have said, once the criteria have been agreed, we will of course come to the Chamber to update Members.