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A total of €8.6million of PEACEPLUS funding has been awarded to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for their PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Authority Action Plan, programmes which include: Events and Festivals Programme, Development of shared outdoor spaces programme, Social and Emotional Support Programme, Minority Community Support Programmes and Shared History & Culture Programmes.
Running up until September 2027 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.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Pete Byrne said “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.
“Reaching this point has required immense dedication and collaboration between the local community, the voluntary sector, the council, and statutory agencies. The Partnership Board 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.”
This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The implementation of the Action Plan will be guided by the PEACEPLUS Partnership Board whose membership reflects and represents all interests, areas, communities of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said, “The launch of the Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council PEACEPLUS Action Plan programme marks an important step in helping to deliver improved services and facilities for the local community. This initiative represents the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a vision for a shared and thriving future. It also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive, connected, and resilient region for generations to come.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said, "I commend Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the PEACEPLUS Partnership, Southeastern Regional College and all Associated Partners for the creation and implementation of this Action Plan. I have no doubt that the 20 regional community relations projects funded by this plan will ensure that all people in the district will live in respectful, safe, and vibrant communities, benefit from prosperous communities, and enjoy good health and wellbeing."
SEUPB Chief Executive, Gina McIntyre explained how the funding can be a catalyst for change “All local authorities within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland have been allocated a PEACEPLUS budget to undertake a programme of local investment to address local challenges within their areas, working in conjunction with residents and organisations.
“This approach ensures plans are targeted at local level, addressing a range of issues including regeneration, promoting positive relations, and championing diversity.
“These Local Action Plans are not just standalone interventions; they are catalysts for systemic and intergenerational change, fostering new skills, opportunities and partnerships that will resonate long after the plan concludes.”
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.
Heather McKee, Deputy Principal of South Eastern Regional College noted: “SERC are delighted to be a delivery partner with Newry Mourne and Down 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.”
Check out the Action Plan at PeacePlus Local Action Plan Newry, Mourne and Down
