Research on 25 years of North-South Implementation Bodies

‘S2@25’ is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Using the learning from the project to improve strategic cross-border cooperation in the future, it will identify and share examples of best practice of cross-border and all-island operations.

The project is a partnership led by the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, with Atlantic Technological University and the eight North South organisations – Foras na Gaeilge, InterTrade Ireland, the Loughs Agency, Safefood, SEUPB, Tourism Ireland, the Ulster-Scots Agency and Waterways Ireland.

Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister of Finance at the Northern Ireland Executive, said: “I welcome the launch of the PEACEPLUS funded ‘S2@25’ project. This milestone project will reflect on the collective impact of the North South Implementation Bodies and their contribution to addressing longer-term challenges and shared priorities across this island over the last 25 years. I wish all involved every success and I look forward to hearing the outcomes.”

Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in the Irish Government, said: “I welcome the launch of 'S2@25', funded under the €1.14 billion PEACEPLUS programme.

 

“S2@25 is a significant project that aims to capture the collective impact of the North South Bodies, and to use their combined knowledge and achievements to benefit cross-border cooperation governance into the future.

 

“The North South Implementation Bodies have 25 years of significant positive learnings to offer for future strategic cross-border collaboration. The S2@25 project will make a valuable contribution towards building and embedding partnership and collaboration and supporting the objectives of PEACEPLUS. I wish the project partners every success.”

Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body, said: “This is a vitally important project that will clearly define the impact of the North-South Implementation Bodies over the past 25 years, as well as the legal and administrative challenges.

 

“Investment through the PEACEPLUS will be directed towards enhancing cross-border cooperation to address obstacles to socio-economic fluidity and reconciliation.

 

“It is important that this project is underway during a milestone anniversary for the North-South Implementation Bodies and I look forward to following its progress.”

The project is being managed by the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation and its Chair Peter Osborne concluded: “We would like to thank Paula Bradshaw, MLA, for sponsoring today’s launch in The Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings.

 

“When PEACEPLUS concludes it will represent nearly a third of a century of investment by the EU to peace and reconciliation in Ireland, North and South. Starting in 1995, just after the ceasefires and before the Good Friday Agreement, it is a record of which the EU can be proud.

 

“Similarly, the implementation bodies under Strand 2 of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement can be proud of what they have delivered over the last 25 years.

 

“The long-term impact of this project will mean improved capacity for cooperation for all eight organisations and for other relevant bodies. By sharing experience, they can develop a collaborative approach to benefit every organisation and, in turn, benefit people of all backgrounds and beliefs in Ireland, North and South.”