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Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has called for the protection of PEACEPLUS funding following an Assembly debate on the continuation of the programme, warning that the current absence of an EU contribution will have serious consequences for communities across the north.
Speaking after the debate, the MP said the stakes for areas including Newry and Armagh are significant, with over £1.1 billion having been invested through PEACEPLUS across the six counties and border counties since 2021.
Hughes said: "Retaining a contribution from the EU for the PEACEPLUS programme is vital. Over £1.1 billion in PEACEPLUS funding has been invested in the 6 counties and border counties since 2021, with many projects benefiting Newry and Armagh. Significant investments across every council district in the north and along the border region have ensured socioeconomic regeneration and transformation. These programmes have empowered and supported young people and vulnerable groups, and promoted peace building and inclusion work."
He believes the future of funding from the EU is unclear and that the current absence of a contribution from Brussels will have serious consequences on maintaining funding for PEACEPLUS programmes and developing new initiatives. "This will have a hugely negative impact on the north." he stated.
The MP continued "The threat to further loss of investment in delivery of vital community led services; including with victims and survivors of the conflict; employment training opportunities; supports for young people; and interventions within our most disadvantaged areas; must be urgently addressed. This potential crisis is another example of how the democratic deficit caused by Brexit has left us vulnerable.
"Now is not the time to cut programmes which have been central to the transformation we have all enjoyed. At a time when the world is increasingly threatened by war and geopolitical instability, and even as the European Union itself moves increasingly toward militarisation, investing in peace must take precedence over funding war. So it is imperative that we speak with a united voice to those within the institutions of the European Union, about the importance of continuing full PEACEPLUS funding."
The Newry and Armagh public representative said the issue has been raised at multiple levels, with Sinn Féin MEPs securing the support of the European Parliament's Regional Development Committee for continued PEACEPLUS funding.
He added: "I have raised this issue in both Leinster House and in Westminster. Our Assembly team have done likewise, as have our TDs and Senators. At all levels Sinn Féin will continue to work towards a reinstatement of Brussels' contribution to protect this important funding."
