The PEACEPLUS programme, a landmark initiative supporting peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the Republic’s border counties, has committed over €700 million of its €1.1 billion total funding to transformative projects since its launch in 2023. Backed by the European Union, the UK Government, the Irish Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive, PEACEPLUS aims to drive sustainable growth, foster community cohesion, and enhance cross-border collaboration.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, expressed his satisfaction with the programme’s progress, noting that it is already supporting projects in areas like health, transport, education, and socio-economic regeneration. He praised the role of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which is tasked with managing the initiative, and reiterated the commitment of all partners to long-term North-South cooperation and peacebuilding.
Chambers said, “The PEACEPLUS programme is a clear statement of the EU, Ireland, and the UK’s continued dedication to fostering peace, reconciliation, and shared economic prosperity across the island.”
Notable PEACEPLUS-Funded Projects:
- €165 million for modern trains on the cross-border Enterprise rail service to improve connectivity.
- €15.3 million for the Shannonside Peace Arena in Carrick-on-Shannon, creating a sustainable, shared sports and community space.
- €16.7 million for the Riverine Project, a cross-border parkland project between Donegal and Tyrone.
- €10.86 million for the Ulster University Dome in Derry, transforming a vacant site into a shared arena for sports and community events.
- €20 million for the GEMINI Project, a pioneering cross-border initiative on renewable energy and geothermal technology.
- €32 million for the WEST water quality project, enhancing water management in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin, and Donegal Bay.
The programme, with a total value of €1.1 billion, is being managed by SEUPB, a key body under the Good Friday Agreement, which operates under the guidance of the North-South Ministerial Council.
For more details on PEACEPLUS and current funding opportunities, visit the SEUPB website.
