Seven councils to receive more than €37m PEACEPLUS funding to address community need

The councils from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland are: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Louth County Council; Mid Ulster District Council; Monaghan County Council; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; and Sligo County Council.

The funding will support a wide and diverse range of projects aimed at addressing local challenges and promoting peace and prosperity within each council area.

This is the latest funding announcement under the PEACEPLUS ‘Co-designed Local Community Action Plans’ investment area which supports projects developed and delivered by local councils in collaboration with their local communities. 

Awards have previously been made for Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cavan County Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Leitrim County Council and Donegal County Council.

All 17 local authorities within Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland 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.

Welcoming the announcement, First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA said: “It is fantastic to see that a further seven councils are receiving €37.4 million in funding for

their PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plans. These plans have been drawn up with the aim of addressing what local communities feel they need to bring people together and build peace and prosperity. Investing in our children and young people, supporting local artists and sports, and developing resources and capacity will help everyone regardless of background. I look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in the years ahead, and I would like to thank everyone who has got them to this point.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA said: “I welcome the news that seven more councils are receiving funding through PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plans. This money will go into local areas, creating new shared spaces, and building trust and friendships between different communities. The fact that local people and groups have been instrumental in the design of these plans and have identified the needs in their neighbourhoods will make sure that these projects will really deliver on their potential. Thank you to everyone involved for taking those brave steps to connect all communities here. I wish you all the best of luck.” 

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD said: “I am delighted that more than €37 million in funding has been approved under the PEACEPLUS Programme.

“Successive PEACE programmes have made a hugely positive impact in communities both sides of the border. These programmes are built on the principles of equality and friendship and promote greater participation and engagement by all communities.

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I’m proud of the fact that my Department is playing a leading role in making PEACEPLUS such a success.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “We are delighted to announce this latest round of PEACEPLUS funding to seven local authorities through our 'Co-designed Local Community Action Plans' initiative. This milestone underscores our commitment to grassroots engagement, ensuring that the projects we support genuinely reflect local needs and aspirations. From Antrim and Newtownabbey to Sligo, each plan demonstrates innovative thinking and a collaborative spirit in addressing unique local challenges.

“This community-led approach is the cornerstone of PEACEPLUS. By empowering local authorities and residents to co-design their action plans, we are fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring that the €1.14bn programme delivers meaningful, lasting change. We eagerly anticipate the fruition of these plans, which will create new opportunities for cross-community engagement, economic development and shared understanding across Northern Ireland and the border counties.”

The PEACEPLUS Programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, and has a total value of €1.14bn, to be delivered over the next five years. The Programme will support a wide range of sectors including health and social care, the protection of the environment, rural regeneration, smart towns and villages, local regeneration and mental health services.