€6 Million Secured for Cross-Border Digital Hub Project

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Pictured at the launch of the Mini Digital Hub Project are from left: Martin McKendry, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; Paul Sheridan, Director of Corporate Services Special EU Programmes Body; Ald Alan McDowell, Chairman East Border Region; Pamela Arthurs, Chief Executive, East Border Region; Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, Caoirthleath, Monaghan County Council and Kieran Moylan, Department of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The East Border Region has secured just over €6 million to fund the Mini Digi Hub Project, with the initiative officially launched at the Monaghan Peace Campus. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is one of the project partners.

The project, supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), aims to address the digital divide and catalyse economic growth, inclusivity and balanced regional development across the East Border Region. Project partners include Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Monaghan County Council, Meath County Council, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The Chairman of East Border Region, Ald Alan McDowell, said the organisation is delighted to be officially launching the innovative cross-border project, which will act as a catalyst to revitalise a number of rural towns and villages in the border region and provide vital services to citizens.

The initiative will transform five underutilised public buildings into hubs of digital innovation and collaboration. A mobile digital lab, which has recently been custom-built in Estonia, will act as a roving hub bringing access to communities, schools and businesses. The project will provide access to advanced technologies for citizens and businesses in rural areas, offer digital skills training and specialised masterclasses in rural communities, and encourage cross-border collaboration to pool resources and expertise.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA said his department is partnering with the DRCDG and the SEUPB to provide funding under the PEACEPLUS programme. He described it as "an important step forward in a joint commitment to creating a more digitally inclusive and connected cross-border community."

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped get the project off the ground.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said economic development is a necessity to underpin peace and drive prosperity. She noted that rural areas often face unique challenges including lower levels of entrepreneurism, higher unemployment and limited access to digital services, which PEACEPLUS directly addresses.