Five more deprived areas in Northern Ireland have been awarded support under the government's Areas at Risk Pilot Programme.

Unveiling phase III of the scheme, Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie said the money is targeted at areas 'at risk' of descending into instability, crisis and decline.

Those selected for support under the third phase include residential parts of Donaghadee, Larne, Ballymena and Derry.

"I am pleased to announce a third phase to the Areas at Risk Programme. This programme aims to give a voice to local people and communities who feel they have little or no stake in our society," said Ms Ritchie.

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"Communities who feel isolated, neglected and left behind will greatly benefit from the delivery of 'areas at risk'.

"This programme focuses on building social cohesion and community capacity and it aims to develop confidence within communities to help address issues such as inter and intra community conflict. I am pleased to be able to make this funding available today," said the minister.

The community-focused programme uses a 'bottom up' approach to deal with sensitive and complex issues that are having a serious and detrimental impact on the lives of people living in the target communities.

"Working with local community activists, the communities themselves identify the issues and problems and with the support of my department, determine the most appropriate way in which to address the identified issues.

"Through the provision of this programme there is a definitive commitment from within my department and within the communities themselves to make people’s lives better," added Ms Richie.

(PR/JM)