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New research by the University of Ulster to identify the extent of Protestant alienation in Derry/Londonderry has uncovered a ‘tale of two cities’.

The study into Population Change and Social Inclusion in Derry/Londonderry was conducted by Dr Peter Shirlow, Professor  Brian Graham and Professor Gillian Robinson of the University of Ulster,  and Dr Brendan Murtagh of Queen’s University, Belfast  and carried out in association with St. Columb’s Park House Reconciliation Centre and funded by Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and OFM/DFM-Equality Unit.

Although the Protestant population is now showing signs of stabilising, and many Protestants work, shop and socialise in the cityside, there is also evidence of increased segregation of Protestants and Catholics in the Waterside - and a strong sense of political and cultural decline within the Protestant community.

However, in the main, the Protestant community is more likely to enter the cityside, and shop in other predominantly Catholic places. The majority who work in predominantly Catholic workplaces stated that they had no problems doing so.

Researcher Dr Pete Shirlow, Human Geography lecturer at UU,  says it is important that the findings, some of which are positive, are presented in a balanced way:

“There are obvious improvements, but they tend to be countered by deep-seated anxieties about the future of a minority population that, in many ways feels besieged. The situation, experienced by Protestants within the city, is better in some ways but the future remains uncertain. It is important that we acknowledge trends that are both negative and positive, so that we produce a valid and reasoned response.”

Although carried out against a backdrop of sectarian violence across Northern Ireland, researchers found that in Derry/Londonderry, the majority of the respondents from a Protestant background will work, shop and socialise in the cityside, specifically in Foyleside, the Richmond Centre and The Diamond. The findings showed however that they are generally less comfortable in Guildhall Square, Waterloo Place and Foyle Street areas and uncomfortable in the presence of nationalist symbols. Specifically republican symbols in the City Cemetery were cited as causing particular upset.

On the downside, there is a widespread perception among Protestants that Derry City Council is working to a nationalist agenda that is biased against the Protestant population. The report argues that the policy landscape is improving -  but it is not obvious to the general population what these improvements have been.

With a few notable exceptions, Protestant neighbourhoods in the city are relatively underdeveloped - and younger Protestants remain fearful about entering Catholic dominated areas. They also report difficulties accessing leisure, educational and other facilities in the city.

The findings also showed that there is a strong sense of political and cultural decline within the Protestant community.

“Many of the study’s more contentious concerns were discovered around questions relating to issues of political and cultural identity. The more serious and negative emotions revealed are based upon forms of resource competition, a sense of territorial loss and a perception of a cultural voice remaining unheard,” says Dr Shirlow.

The report makes a number of recommendations to address the issues identified during the study.

These include: promoting community led regeneration; improving access and mobility within the city; that Derry City Council should examine the report and fund a workshop to explore the issues further; the development of inclusive and non-threatening civic spaces; to develop a greater culture of sharing skills, experience and best practice models; greater efforts among voluntary groups, politicians, statutory bodies and the wider civic community to include and involve those who feel alienated as a result of political and social change.

If you would like a copy of the full report, it can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:

www.ulster.ac.uk/news/alienation.pdf

For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Communication and Development
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk