Date: 18 Dec 2025
€80,000 PEACEPLUS Programme Launched to Promote Inclusion, Healing, and Leadership in Glenties Municipal District
A major peacebuilding initiative has been launched in the Glenties Municipal District as Customer Service Excellence Ireland (CSEI) unveiled its new Cultural Connections Programme. The project is funded by an €80,000.00 allocation from Donegal’s €7.6 million PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan, one of 32 cross-community initiatives supported by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and delivered in partnership with Donegal County Council.
Funded under Theme 2: Thriving and Peaceful Communities, the programme aims to create meaningful, sustained cross-community and cross-border engagement that promotes respect, cultural understanding, and long-lasting relationships. Activities will enable participants to explore shared heritage, increase social inclusion, develop essential human skills, and build community cohesion while celebrating the cultural richness of the Donegal Gaeltacht and partner communities in Northern Ireland.
The programme comprises three major, interlinked projects, each designed to foster creativity, promote inclusion, and strengthen cross community and border engagement:
- Marching Band Collaboration
This will spotlight the rich heritage of the Mullaghduff Fife and Drum Band, founded in 1889 and now an inclusive community ensemble with a proud record of 11 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles. With strong participation from women and deep roots across West Donegal, the project will use workshops, talks, and demonstrations to promote shared understanding, reduce cultural barriers, and showcase how music can unite rather than divide. - The Great Big Art Event
An inclusive visual arts initiative designed to promote wellbeing, creativity, social inclusion, and community connection. Weekly workshops and public showcase events will engage participants of all ages and abilities, building confidence, reducing social isolation, and developing key human skills such as resilience, communication, and collaboration. - Clubeo
Led by Donegal Person of the Year and Clannad singer Moya Brennan, Clubeo will provide emerging musicians with performance opportunities, mentoring from leading Irish artists, and leadership training. The project promotes cross-community and cross-border participation while nurturing skills essential for personal and professional development.
At the launch, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Paul Canning, praised the programme’s vision and impact, stating, “Cultural Connections represents a “Cultural Connections represents a path toward togetherness and understanding . This programme is a commitment to building bridges across communities and an investment in people, voices, and shared futures. Through music, arts, heritage, and shared learning, we are weaving together the rich traditions of Donegal and Northern Ireland, creating spaces where diversity is celebrated and understanding thrives. Beginning in the Donegal Gaeltacht and extending into Northern Ireland , this programme invites communities to explore language, music, crafts, and the stories that remind us of what truly connects us”.
During the launch event Sally-Ann Mulholland, Chairperson of the Mullaghduff Fife & Drum Band, said: “The Connecting Through Music element of PEACEPLUS offers an exciting new chapter for the Mullaghduff Fife & Drum Band. It allows us to honour our long-standing musical heritage while embracing collaboration, learning, and creativity with others. We look forward to the friendships, shared experiences, and powerful performances that will grow from this project.”
In closing, Charlie Boyle, CEO of CSEI, emphasized: “Together, we are shaping a future where Donegal and Northern Ireland create a legacy of peace and partnership, a future where collaboration and cultural richness connecting our communities and inspiring generations to come”
The programme will involve over 115 participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including minority ethnic and religious communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and young people.
For more information about the project, you can contact Charlie Boyle at Customer Service Excellence Ireland on team@cseireland.ie, 085 7616749.
