Council Secures £7.35Million Funding for PEACEPLUS Local Authority Action Plan
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council celebrates securing PEACEPLUS funding for the development of its Co-Designed Local Authority Action Plan. Over the next three years the Action Plan, delivered in partnership with South Eastern Regional College, will focus on three pivotal themes: Local Regeneration and Transformation, Thriving and Peaceful Communities, and Celebrating Cultures and Diversity. The plan was developed through inclusive engagement with the local community and will result in improved, shared and inclusive local services, facilities and spaces and make a significant and lasting contribution to peace and reconciliation. This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Pete Byrne, expressed his enthusiasm for the £7.35million funding and said, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to strengthen positive relationships within our community. This funding will enable us to introduce a variety of exciting initiatives aimed at reconciliation, addressing prejudice, and fostering diversity. It marks a significant investment for our local community and underscores the EU's continued dedication to peace and reconciliation."
The implementation of the Action Plan will be guided by the PEACEPLUS Partnership whose membership reflects and represents all interests, areas and communities within our district area.
Councillor Terry Andrews, Chairperson of the PEACEPLUS Partnership, congratulated all those involved in developing the Action Plan and said, “We are delighted about this announcement. Reaching this point has required immense dedication and collaboration between the local community, the voluntary sector, the council, and statutory agencies. The Partnership appreciates the significant energy everyone involved has contributed to this process. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact the co-designed PEACEPLUS Action Plan will have on our council area.”
Heather McKee, Deputy Principal of South Eastern Regional College (SERC) noted “SERC are delighted to be a delivery partner with Council as part of the PEACEPLUS Programme for the area. We are dedicated to working in partnership with local communities to develop skills and collectively build upon peace and prosperity across the district.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said, “We are delighted to announce this latest round of PEACEPLUS funding to seven local authorities through our 'Co-designed Local Community Action Plans' initiative. This milestone underscores our commitment to grassroots engagement, ensuring that the projects we support genuinely reflect local needs and aspirations. From Antrim and Newtownabbey to Sligo, each plan demonstrates innovative thinking and a collaborative spirit in addressing unique local challenges.
“This community-led approach is the cornerstone of PEACEPLUS. By empowering local authorities and residents to co-design their action plans, we are fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring that the €1.14bn programme delivers meaningful, lasting change. We eagerly anticipate the fruition of these plans, which will create new opportunities for cross-community engagement, economic development and shared understanding across Northern Ireland and the border counties.”
The PEACEPLUS Programme is a funding partnership between the European Union, the Governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive and will be administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for this element of the PEACEPLUS Programme has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in Ireland.
Delivery of the Action Plan is anticipated to begin early next year and to keep informed of engagement opportunites and progress please visit www.newrymournedown.org/peaceplus.
If you need information on the wider PEACEPLUS Programme managed by SEUPB (Special European Union’s Programmes Body), please see their website where detailed information is available: https://seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS.