€40 million funding boost for cross‑community and cross‑border initiatives

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Nearly €40 million (£35 million) of funding for cross-community and cross-border projects has been announced.

The €40 million support comes through the EU Peaceplus programme and is “designed to help communities strengthen local relationships and build lasting connections”.

The programme is providing grants of up to €100,000 for each project and will allow groups to tailor activities to local needs while placing cross-community or cross-border engagement at the centre.

Stormont communities minister Gordon Lyons said the programme “will support smaller organisations, working at a local level, to make a direct contribution to their communities”.

“Very often these groups face difficulties in accessing funds yet can make a real impact in the areas they serve,” he said.

“The fund has the potential to support exciting and diverse activities across sports, the arts, heritage, and other themes offering a chance for everyone to get involved.

“I would encourage all eligible groups to take advantage of the funding opportunities provided through the Peaceplus Change Maker Fund.”

The minister for rural and community development and the gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, also welcomed the additional funding.

He said: This important investment will strengthen our communities and leave a lasting legacy across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.”

The Change Maker Funding Programme is part of Peaceplus, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The total value of Peaceplus is €1.14 billion and is co-funded by the EU, the UK and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland Executive.