The EU Commission’s decision to adopt the PEACE PLUS programme, which will help peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland, has been welcomed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shailesh Vara, MP.
The UK Government, the EU, the Northern Ireland Executive and Irish Government all contributed matching funds to the new programme, which is the largest PEACE programme to date.
The UK is pleased to contribute more than £730 million to the initiative or over 75% of the overall expenditure. The UK Government is dedicated to ensuring that PEACE PLUS projects and activities assist the levelling up of Northern Ireland’s economy with the rest of the UK as well as encouraging cross-border cooperation. The UK Government is the majority investor in PEACE PLUS.
By fostering engagement and communication between local partners and communities, the programme will bring decision-making and accountability for community development closer to the people who will really benefit from it.
Previous financing supported projects including the Girdwood Barracks property in north Belfast’s conversion into a shared communal area where people from all backgrounds can gather, unwind, and exchange knowledge. It also supported the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle.
Shailesh Vara MP, secretary of state for Northern Ireland, said:
“I am delighted that progress has been made between the UK Government and the EU to fund important projects that will deliver directly for the people of Northern Ireland.
“This collaboration will support peace, reconciliation and cross-border co-operation, build thriving communities and empower future generations.
“The £1 billion of programme funding will drive ambitious local regeneration projects. I look forward to seeing the ways in which it will help individuals, communities and businesses to reach their potential.”