A citizens’ assembly created by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland to better address the needs of people living in Derry/Londonderry has issued its fourth report, with residents demanding more investment be put into job creation, mental health provision and cross community housing.
Co-operation Ireland has been operating the Voice Matters programme for four years, with 2025 participants tasked with addressing the question: ‘How Could We Make Derry/Londonderry a Safer and More Inclusive Space for Everyone?’
Through the scientific method of ‘sortition’, 10,500 households across the three neighbourhoods received postal invitations to participate.
Thirty residents were then selected from those who responded via a civic lottery, ensuring the panel reflects the demographic makeup of the community — including gender, age, ethnicity, and socio-economic background.
The assembly took place in St Columb’s Hall over two weekends in April.
Participants are paid for their time.
Since 2020, Co-operation Ireland has facilitated a citizens’ assembly in the city, bringing residents together to address long-standing social and community challenges rooted in the legacy of the Troubles.
This year’s programme, for the first time integrated AI-powered participation technology to strengthen engagement, transparency and inclusion.
Co-operation Ireland teamed up with Nethrelands based AI start-up Dembrane to deliver the citizens’ assembly. Participants reported enhanced openness, improved understanding between community backgrounds, and a renewed sense of civic trust.
Voice Matters Programme Manager, Ireland Twiggs from Co-operation Ireland said,
“Voice Matters is a project that emphasizes radical community building. It is an example of the power of bringing together citizens to make decisions about their own lives. This report highlights the top recommendations, but most importantly the process builds more resilient and sustainable communities. In addition to implementing the findings, processes like Voice Matters need to be built into the way we govern and live.
“With Stormont currently exploring how Citizens’ Assemblies could be formally used across Northern Ireland, Voice Matters provides a tested, evidence-based model demonstrating how digital tools and structured deliberation can rebuild trust in a divided society.”
At the launch event in St Columb’s Hall on Thursday November 13, Co-operation Ireland presented the findings from its latest citizens’ assembly