From left to Right Rosie Smyth Department of Rural & Community Development, Cllr. Paul Canning Chairperson Peace IV, Liam Ward Director of Community Development & Planning Services DCC, Gina McIntyre CEO SEUPB, Cllr. Martin Harley Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin Chief Executive Donegal County Council & Claire Johnston the Executive Office NI.
As the Donegal ‘s PEACE IV Programme draws to a close, a celebration event was held on Wednesday 28th February 2024, in County House Lifford to celebrate the successful achievements of the PEACE IV Local Action Plan.
In attendance was representative from the Special EU Programmes Body, Chief Executive Gina McIntyre. Representatives from Donegal County Council included Chief Executive Mr John G. Mc Laughlin, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Martin Harley, Cllr. Paul Canning Chairperson of Donegal’s PEACE IV Partnership, Director of Community Development & Planning Services Mr Liam Ward, Members of Donegal’s PEACE IV Partnership, other key stakeholders included the Local Community Development Committee Members and representatives from voluntary & community groupings.
Donegal’s €4 Million Action Plan has been funded through the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding was provided by Department of Rural and Community Development, and The Executive Office of Northern Ireland.
The Plan supported over 30 innovative and transformative programmes that engaged with over 5,000 participants across three thematic themes – Children and Young People; Shared Spaces; and Building Positive Relations. The programme supported peace building and cross community and border interaction through a range of activities including, Community Development, Sports, Arts Cultural and Heritage, Civic Leadership, Intergenerational, Small Grants Programme and capital Investment Projects since 2017. The Legacy of the Peace IV Action Plan will have long-term benefit in the promotion of good relations, enhancing skills and attitudes to building a cohesive society within Donegal for future generations.
The Executive Office First Minister Michelle O’Neil has said: “Initiatives such as these are crucial in helping our entire society move forward and become a truly inclusive, united community where everyone is treated equally. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Donegal Local Action Plan. Thank you for your incredible work towards ending division and bringing communities together. I want to wish you the very best for your ongoing peace and reconciliation work in the years to come.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said: “I’ve been very impressed to hear about the many excellent projects that have brought diverse communities in the local area together in such a creative and inclusive way. Your work in this programme has been a catalyst for bringing people from different traditions and community backgrounds together, the impact of which will be felt for years to come. Congratulations to everyone involved in this significant achievement.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said:
“I would like to congratulate everyone who contributed to the development and implementation of this Local Authority PEACE IV Action Plan for County Donegal, which secured funding of over €5.5m under the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme.
I commend Donegal County Council and all the delivery partners for their outstanding accomplishments over the past few years in delivering 38 PEACE programmes and initiatives, supporting the development of meaningful relationships, and celebrating cultural diversity which will have a long-term and beneficial impact on the County.
The neutral, inclusive, and shared Spaces developed as part of this plan, including the new Sensory Garden for iCARE in Buncrana and the Community Playgrounds in Rossnowlagh and Killea will be a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of all involved. I look forward to your continued work under the new PEACEPLUS Programme.”
Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said:
“I wish to congratulate Donegal County Council, the Partnership members, the projects, and all the participants involved in the delivery of the PEACE IV Local Authority Action Plan. The diversity of the activity and the success of the projects, under the very challenging circumstances created by the pandemic, has enabled social cohesion across the County in ways not previously envisaged, supporting young people, and promoting equity of opportunity, through a broad range of activities based on shared interests, which will endure beyond the Programme itself”.
Chair of Donegal’s Peace IV Partnership, Cllr Paul Canning, commented “As Chair, I want to thank the PEAVE IV Partnership members, drawn from civil society, public agencies, communities across Donegal, and elected members. Their sustained support, constructive engagement, and decision-making made a real difference to the quality and impact of the funded projects. I would also like to take this opportunity to also thank the funding bodies, the SEUPB, delivery agents and participants who made this programme a huge success for the County”.
Outlining the significance of the PEACEPLUS Programme Cathaoirleach Cllr. Martin Harley said “It is amazing that the PEACE Programme has supported this county and the island of Ireland for nearly 30 years. Donegal County Council is committed to building a cohesive and inclusive Society. Through the building of positive relations, Donegal’s PEACE IV Action Plan has supported children and young people, created, and promoted shared spaces and services, these improvements at an individual and community level, are the foundations for a better peaceful and stainable future for us all.
The Programme has created a catalyst for positive change, that leave a lasting impact on all those involved. We are grateful to the EU and both Governments for their support and investment within the County”.
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin commented, “Donegal County Council are committed to developing policies and strategies that promote social cohesion, investing in social capital-building initiatives and community-based projects that bring people together working towards common goals, we will continue to work collaboratively with all our stakeholder on a cross community and cross border basis.
The Council looks forward to the new PEACEPLUS Programme, which will build upon the significant positive achievements of the PEACE IV Programme that has been instrumental in sustainably building economic prosperity, mutual respect, and equality within the county”.
This project has been supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
mes Body (SEUPB).
