Almost €10 million in funding for organisations on building peace across Northern Ireland

The Government have announced nearly €10 million in funding for organisations focusing on building peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland.

The funding is provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Reconciliation fund, with €3 million for multiple one-year projects and €7 million in annual funding over three years for strategic partners.

One of the organisations receiving funding is St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Centre, which provides a safe space for young people in Belfast. As well as the R City Youth in Derry, supporting young people to become future leaders through education.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee said: “I met with Reconciliation Fund partners on Tuesday to hear first-hand the real and enduring difference they make to communities across Northern Ireland, helping to build a more reconciled society. I look forward to more visits to our partners to see the projects that we are supporting.

“During the recent disorder in Belfast, we saw the vital role that civil society organisations can play in very challenging times. Some of the groups that I met today were on the ground working directly to reduce tensions, keeping young people from harm and supporting migrant families who had been displaced due to the unrest.”

Minister McEntee continued: “I'm pleased that this funding will support projects tackling violence against women and girls, which is a key priority of mine.

“I believe that we must support women affected by abuse if we are to see stronger cohesion in Northern Ireland. I have ensured that this new Strategy includes specific provisions for these types of projects, along with ones that promote the inclusion and development of women in civic society.

“The Government remains fully committed to supporting organisations whose work strengthens peace, reconciliation and mutual understanding across this island. These are the first set of projects funded under the new Reconciliation Fund Strategy, which I was proud to launch in Belfast earlier this year.”