A host of Donegal communities are to benefit from €7.6 million funding award through the PEACEPLUS Programme.
Donegal County Council’s PEACEPLUS Partnership has successfully secured €7,635,396.00 funding under the PEACEPLUS Programme, Investment Area 1.1 – Co-designed Local PEACEPLUS Action Plans.
Donegal’s PEACEPLUS Action Plan, was developed using a local co-designed engagement process which facilitated residents, community , social and voluntary organisations to reflect their challenges , needs and priorities which formed the basis of the Plan.
Donegal PEACEPLUS Action Plan will now fund 32 transformative and innovative projects under three thematic strands. Local Community Regeneration and Transformation; Thriving and Peaceful Communities; and Building Respect for all Cultural Identities.
A Full List of the Proposed Projects can be viewed at this link
A total of 7,635 participants will directly benefit from Projects supported by Donegal’s Action Plan , that will contribute to increased levels of social inclusion, cross community integration, and incorporate increased levels of sustained contact between those from different communities, cultural and political backgrounds.
The Programme will also further develop sustained cross border linkage and partnerships with community organisations and public agencies in Northern Ireland. The Programme will build positive relations locally and make a significant difference within the County in challenging prejudice, promote understanding of diversity and good relations for the creation of a more inclusive society with the benefit of a shared and better future for all.
The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Niamh Kennedy said “the funding secured will deliver transformational projects for the County. Donegal’s PEACEPLUS Action Plan has been developed, based on the needs that have been identified by the citizens and communities of Donegal. Community ownership of the PEACEPLUS Plan and ongoing engagement throughout its delivery will assist in the creation of inclusive communities, ensuring a lasting contribution to peace and reconciliation at local level.”
Cllr. Paul Canning, Chair of the Donegal PEACEPLUS Partnership said: “We are delighted with this announcement of €7.6m. “We look forward to further liaising with our funders SEUPB, our Partnership, members of Donegal County Council’s Peace Team and local communities County wide, to ensure collectively that we can maximise the impact of the PEACEPLUS Programme for the County, delivering 32 projects and initiatives, that will work towards sustainably building economic prosperity, mutual respect, and equality within the County under the three thematic themes.
“As Chair, I would like to take this opportunity thank the Partnership Members and acknowledge their contribution to date in securing this funding, and I look forward to their continued commitment in the months ahead, I would especially like thank all those who contribute to the consultation and design process, your input was invaluable in the development of this Action Plan for Donegal.”
Mr. Liam Ward Director of Services acknowledged the importance of reaching this pivotal milestone of the Programme and said, “Donegal is home to a diverse and rapidly increasing population, this PEACEPLUS allocation is a crucial source of funding that focuses on building peace and prosperity for all our citizens.”
He also added “Donegal County Council’s ethos and priorities align perfectly with the objectives of PEACEPLUS, and through the delivery the Plan will create several shared spaces that stimulate and support peacebuilding and relational work for decades, strengthen the capacity and skill sets of community-based organisations, deliver initiatives and activities on a cross community, intercultural and cross border basis which will help to address long standing social and economic challenges which have, and continue to, impact communities, particularly those in Donegal’s rural/urban settings.
Outlining the significance of the PEACEPLUS Programme Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Mr. John G. McLaughlin welcomed the funding.
He emphasised the importance of this noteworthy investment, with the creation of 6 new shared Spaces and delivery of 26 Programmes making a significant difference to many local communities by promoting positive change and leaving a lasting impact and legacy on all those involved.
He said in conclusion “through working collaboratively with the SEUPB, all our stakeholders, community groups and citizens, this is an amazing opportunity to realize our vision and make Donegal an inclusive society, where all cultures are understood and respected, and all our communities thrive, bringing prosperity for all.”
PEACEPLUS Programme Co-Ordinator, with Donegal County Council, Pauline Smyth advised that “ Tender Training & Monitoring and Evaluation workshops will be run in the coming months for community and voluntary sector organisations wishing to tender for one or more of our 23 PEACEPLUS Programmes. Please email PEACE@donegalcoco.ie or visit our web Donegal County Council (donegalcoco.ie) for further information”.
