Over €4M in PeacePlus funding announced for Cavan

€13.6M in PeacePlus funding has been announced for two local authorities including Cavan County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council.

Cavan is set to receive €4.3M, while Derry is being allocated €9.3M. The funding will support a wide and diverse range of projects aimed at addressing local challenges and promoting peace and prosperity across the two council areas from 2023-2027.

In developing its funding proposal, Cavan County Council held 10 public meetings; developed an online survey; and met with several focus groups to ensure meaningful participation was afforded to all the citizens of the county.

The consultation process led to the development of 27 projects that will support peaceful and thriving communities and remove barriers to community integration and cohesion within the three themes of Community Regeneration and Transformation; Thriving and Peaceful Communities; and Celebrating Cultural Diversity. Details of the successful Cavan projects have yet to be revealed.

Chief Executive of Cavan Council, Eoin Doyle, hailed the €4.3M funding award. “A tremendous amount of work has gone into making this significant funding award possible and I want to pay tribute to our PEACE Programme Manager Jane Crudden; the membership of Cavan’s PeacePlus Partnership; and all those who contributed to the public consultation process,” he said.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Philip Brady said PEACE funding had done much to combat disadvantage and build greater understanding between communities in the border region. “The funding that has been made available is for an ambitious and wide-ranging PeacePlus Cavan Action Plan that will allow Cavan County Council and its partners to continue their vital peace-building work.”

Director of Service and chair of the PeacePlus partnership Brendan Jennings added: “Since the commencement of the PEACE programme, much has been accomplished. Cavan County Council, as lead partner, is proud of what has been delivered to date and of the benefits PEACE funding has brought to our local communities.

“While we recognise the achievements to date, we know that there is much more to do in building sustainable Peace. We are confident that this funding announcement for the local authority’s action plan will support projects that will leave a legacy and build lasting friendships.”

Meanwhile, the funding will be rolled out by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. She said she was “looking forward” to supporting essential plans in each of the local authority areas and working with all parties - including the Special EU Programmes Body and the Executive Office in Northern Ireland “to ensure their delivery for the benefit of everyone”.