Council receives €8.6m fund from PEACEPLUS action plan

Council receives €8.6m fund from PEACEPLUS action plan

5 March 2025

A TOTAL of €8.6million of funding has been awarded to Newry, Mourne and Down Council for their PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Authority Action Plan.

Over the next three years the action plan, delivered in partnership with South Eastern Regional College, will focus on three pivotal themes – local regeneration and transformation, thriving and peaceful communities and celebrating cultures and diversity. 

The plan was developed through inclusive engagement with the local community and will result in improved, shared and inclusive local services, facilities and spaces and make a significant and lasting contribution to peace and reconciliation. 

This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the SEUPB. The implementation of the action plan will be guided by the PEACEPLUS Partnership Board whose membership reflects and represents all interests, areas, communities of the council area.

Council chairman Pete Byrne expressed his enthusiasm for the funding.

He said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to strengthen positive relationships within our community. 

“This funding will enable us to introduce a variety of exciting initiatives aimed at reconciliation, addressing prejudice and fostering diversity. It marks a significant investment for our local community and underscores the EU’s continued dedication to peace and reconciliation.”

Cllr Byrne continued: “Reaching this point has required immense dedication and collaboration between the local community, the voluntary sector, the council and statutory agencies. 

“The Partnership Board appreciates the significant energy everyone involved has contributed to this process. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact the co-designed PEACEPLUS Action Plan will have on our council area.”

Heather McKee, deputy principal of South Eastern Regional College, said she was “delighted” that SERC will be a delivery partner with Newry Mourne and Down Council.

She said: “We are dedicated to working in partnership with local communities to develop skills and collectively build upon peace and prosperity across the district.”

The PEACEPLUS Programme is a funding partnership between the European Union, the Governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive, and will be administered by the SEUPB. 

Match-funding for this element of the PEACEPLUS Programme has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in Ireland.

To keep informed of engagement opportunities and progress please visit www.newrymournedown.org/peaceplus.

For more information on the wider PEACEPLUS Programme maaged by SEUPB, please see their website:https://seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS