Niall Fitzduff

For over 39 years Niall Fitzduff's leadership, creativity and strength of purpose have made a significant impact on rural community development, community relationships and peace building in Northern Ireland. Niall is the founder and director of the Rural Community Network (RCN). Conceived in 1991, it now has a membership of almost 600 community and voluntary groups and, as a result of its work, rural community development has increased significantly, voluntary sector outreach has improved, and there is strong community development and cross community support available at local levels.

In the 1960s Niall volunteered in Sicily and Cyprus and then as Field Officer with the Voluntary Services Bureau, Belfast. From there he joined the Community Relations Commission as Community Development Officer for West Belfast. During the 1980's he worked in the craft of wood-turning and, in a voluntary capacity, helped establish an education project and a community development project in the local area. In 1989, he worked as a researcher on the Community Development Review group, looking at the shifts in community development in Northern Ireland over the previous 20 years. He worked for the Rural Action Project in its final year.

Conceived in 1991, the RCN seeks change by encouraging communities in rural areas to develop. It has engaged in a wide range of programmes, including the arts, housing, tourism, young people, and community infrastructure at local, sub-regional and regional levels. Its aim is to provide an effective voice and support for rural communities, particularly those who are most disadvantaged.

Niall has been actively involved in trying to overcome sectarian differences and misunderstandings by working at grassroots level with local and rural communities. Thanks to his experience, he has been asked to contribute to various policy areas such as rural development, housing, human rights, equality, investing for health, the review of acute services and the regional development strategy.

In Northern Ireland Niall's name is synonymous with rural community development. He has demonstrated both leadership and innovation, developing and promoting good practice in the community and voluntary sector. His work has been instrumental to ensuring that the needs and voices of the most disadvantaged are heard by decision and policy makers.

"Niall is a man of great integrity and commitment to community development. He has translated his understanding of the needs of rural communities in Northern Ireland into action, and has been a driving force in ensuring that the needs of local communities are addressed by service providers and policy makers alike."

Jan Keenan, Finance and HR Manager, Rural Community Network

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