€4.3m PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Community PEACE Action Plan for Cavan Launched

The Cavan Local Community Action Plan is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

PEACEPLUS represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.

Projects to be delivered under the Cavan action plan include development of a multipurpose community hub in Virginia, a youth café at Ballyconnell community centre, an active citizens youth project, a ‘Border Biennale’ art workshop and exhibition, a project to bridge the gap in education inequality experienced by Traveller children, and a project to remember the victims of the tragic 1943 Cavan orphanage fire.

Launching the plan, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, “I would like to congratulate everyone who contributed in any way to the development of the Cavan County Council PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, which recently secured funding of over €4.334m under the European Union’s PEACEPLUS programme.

"I commend Cavan Council and the PEACEPLUS Partnership for managing the co-design and creation of this action plan. I have no doubt that the 28 regional community relations initiatives that this plan supports will lead to intentional, meaningful, and ongoing interactions with people of all ages and from various social, cultural, and political backgrounds. 

"I'm happy that my Department of Rural and Community Development, working with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will be able to support and fund this fantastic Action Plan to ensure its successful implementation, which will have a long-term and beneficial impact on the region.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said “I am delighted to welcome the announcement of this PEACEPLUS funding for Cavan County Council. Over 9,000 people will participate in these projects, allowing people of the area to come together to build a brighter future for all. Investing in these innovative programmes will not only enhance cross-community and cross border cooperation, but also promote lasting peace and prosperity in our communities. I wish the Council and all participants the best and I look forward to seeing the fantastic outcomes of these programmes.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “I am pleased to see Cavan County Council receive €4,334,408 in PEACEPLUS funding. This investment will support a range of innovative projects which will allow the local community to focus on the issues that matter most to them like developing shared spaces and providing opportunities for children and young people. This important work will also help locals come together to find ways to improve their communities. I look forward to seeing the impacts of this Action Plan and I wish all those involved every success.”

Chief Executive of SEUPB Gina McIntyre said: “We are delighted to continue the rollout of the 17 PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community PEACE Action Plans with Cavan officially launching their exciting plans for the area.

“These diverse programmes of work are truly representative of our new approach which ensures that the projects supported through councils are responsive to local needs and challenges. These projects have been co-designed with residents and groups, with the focus on building peace and prosperity at a grassroots level. We know what an impact this direct local engagement can have l.”

All local authorities within Northern Ireland and the border counties will receive PEACEPLUS funding, with each council being challenged to design a programme of local investment, aimed at addressing specific local challenges, in collaboration with residents and organisations within their area.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, TP O’Reilly said: “I welcome this launch of this ambitious and detailed action plan, which provides vital investment in the social, economic and environmental development of County Cavan and will support peace, stability, and sustainable prosperity into the future. 

“This plan is the result of an extensive co-design process, a unique approach whereby all parties to the design process are treated as equal collaborators, and the fruits of this inclusive and participatory process are clear to see in this extremely well-thought-out plan.”

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle said: “Communities in County Cavan and across the border region and Northern Ireland have accrued significant benefits from both the PEACE and INTERREG programmes down through the years, and the new PEACEPLUS Programme will continue the important work of promoting social inclusion, tackling conflict-based inequality, and encouraging peacebuilding in the region.” 

“This action plan is a comprehensive and varied programme of actions that deliver on the themes of PEACEPLUS for communities across Cavan and indeed on a cross-border basis, and the depth and quality of projects contained therein, is tribute to the extraordinary work undertaken by all in the PEACEPLUS Partnership, including Chair Brendan Jennings and PEACEPLUS Programme manager Jane Crudden, along with the elected members of Cavan County Council, statutory organisations and community and voluntary organisations across the county, whose commitment to strengthening the ties that bind us is second to none,” added Mr Doyle.

PEACEPLUS Partnership Chair, and Director of Service with Cavan County Council, Brendan Jennings said: “The funding for this action plan was secured by Cavan County Council under a dedicated PEACEPLUS investment area open to local authorities, and local community groups will now have opportunities to tender for contracts to deliver on these actions. 

“It is important to note, however, that there are a further 21 investment areas under the PEACEPLUS programme, including small grants opportunities up to €100,000, details of which will be made available by SEUPB in the coming months.”

The County Cavan PEACPLUS Local Authority Action Plan, and details of how to submit tenders for contracts to deliver on the actions therein, is available to view at www.cavancoco.ie/peaceplus