Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Action Plan Launched
Mid Ulster District Council and the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership Board have launched the district’s co-designed Local Community PEACEPLUS Action Plan, with €5.2 million secured to deliver peacebuilding projects.
The Action Plan, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB), is the outworking of an extensive co-design process which saw local Council representatives working with, listening to and empowering local communities.
The funding will enable the delivery of nine projects across Mid Ulster over a three-year period, contributing to the PEACEPLUS themes of Thriving and Peaceful Communities, Building Respect for all Cultural Identities, and Local Community Regeneration and Transformation.
Projects to be delivered under the Mid Ulster Action Plan include dedicated Anti-Poverty, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Health and Well-being, Disability Support, Young People’s Entrepreneurship and Skills Development and Multi-Sports Activity Programmes; a resilience-based programme for young people; a Women’s Community Leadership and Empowerment Programme, and an Environmental Reimaging Programme.
Other significant projects include a cross-border, cross-community initiative engaging groups through the shared history linkages of the O’Neill (Tyrone) and O’Donnell (Donegal) clans, and the development of a new Nature Reserve and Biodiversity Eco site at Traad Point, on the shores of Lough Neagh. Benefitting 1,000 people per year, when complete it will provide opportunities for engaging and interactive experiences and for biodiversity and environmental education.
At the launch of the plan at Pomeroy Forest, First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA said: “We want to thank everyone who contributed to the development of the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Action Plan. This is a programme that will support a wide range of initiatives aimed at promoting reconciliation and fostering greater understanding between communities.
“Peace is about respect and partnership, and it is incredibly heartening to see so many individuals and groups in my home constituency come together to turn a vision into a plan that will make such a positive difference and reflect the hopes and needs of everyone living here.”
Junior Minister Pam Cameron MLA said: “The launch of the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Action Plan is a powerful reminder of the progress we have made in Northern Ireland and the potential that lies ahead when communities unite around a common purpose.
“The co-design nature of this programme highlights the importance of listening to one another, valuing different perspectives, and working toward solutions that benefit everyone here. This is another positive step towards a peaceful and prosperous society, and I extend my thanks to everyone who has played a part in bringing this ambitious project to life.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD said: "I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helped create the PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan for Mid Ulster District Council. The European Union's PEACEPLUS programme has approved funds for this initiative totalling €5.2 million.
“I applaud Mid Ulster District Council and the PEACEPLUS Partnership for supervising the creation and implementation of this action plan. Certainly and permanently, the nine regional community relations projects financed by this plan will promote peace and reconciliation by fostering better, shared, and inclusive local services, facilities, and places.
“I am delighted that my Department of Rural and Community Development, together with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will provide support for this outstanding Action Plan. Long-term benefits from its successful implementation will accrue to the area”.
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “On behalf of the SEUPB, I extend my sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to the development of this Action Plan. Your dedication and hard work will leave a powerful legacy, fostering peace and promoting prosperity.
"Mid Ulster District Council and their partners brought the ideas to life in their Co-Designed Local Community PEACEPLUS Action Plan – one of 17 being delivered across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
“The Action Plan stands as a testament to what can be achieved through cooperation, vision and shared purpose. It is a transformative plan that places people at its heart, creating opportunities for everybody to feel valued, heard and empowered to contribute to the future of Mid Ulster.”
Councillor John McNamee, Chair of the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership said: “The Action Plan is a comprehensive and varied programme of actions, designed by the people, groups and organisations in our area who have lived experience of the issues on the ground, which will deliver on the themes of PEACEPLUS for communities across Mid Ulster. Local community groups will now have opportunities to tender for contracts to deliver on these actions and I look forward to seeing these projects come to life as the plan is implemented.”
Also speaking at the launch, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eugene McConnell said:
“We welcome this major investment in Mid Ulster by the PEACEPLUS programme. The projects that will be delivered over the next three years will make Mid Ulster a welcoming place where our people are content, healthy and safe and educated and skilled, a place where our economy is thriving, and our environment and heritage is sustained. The co-designed nature of the Action Plan means that the projects will have relevance, impact and benefit where most needed.”
The Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Local Authority Action Plan and details of how to submit tenders for contracts to deliver on the actions included will be available at www.midulstercouncil.org/PEACEPLUS.