£15m PEACEPLUS investment awarded to promote stronger community relations in Belfast

The Special EU Programmes Body has today announced almost £15m (€17.4m) of funding to Belfast City Council in the latest award through the €1.14bn PEACEPLUS Programme.

The funding will support Belfast City Council’s Action Plan, which aims to help build a compassionate, culturally vibrant and inclusive city.

The Council-led project will address the changing needs and diversity of the city, lead to greater inclusion and respect for members of marginalised communities, and increase opportunities for community engagement across different faiths, cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

Through the project, a total of 17,437 participants will actively participate in purposeful, meaningful and sustained contact with others from a different community, cultural or political background, thanks to the funding award. The project will be delivered over the next three and a half years with a total PEACEPLUS investment of €17,437,277.

PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.

Welcoming today’s announcement, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I am delighted that The Executive Office is supporting this £15m investment in the Belfast City Council area through its PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Community Action Plan.

“This funding demonstrates a commitment to building a more peaceful, tolerant and cohesive society. By working collaboratively with local communities, the initiatives set out within the Plan will help address the area’s unique needs and aspirations.

“This Plan represents a transformative opportunity to foster social harmony and sustain economic growth and prosperity. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on residents across the city and beyond.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Today’s announcement of the allocation of £15m to the PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Community Action Plan is most welcome and a testament to our unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation in Belfast.

“This funding will empower communities to drive meaningful change, promote understanding, and build bridges across our city. As deputy First Minister, I am committed to ensuring that these resources, including the funding provided by The Executive Office, are used effectively to create inclusive opportunities and improve the quality of life for everyone. Together, we are taking bold steps toward a shared future rooted in peace and prosperity.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said:
“I am delighted that funding of €17.4m is approved for Belfast City Council, under Investment Area 1.1: Co-Designed Local Community PEACE Action Plans of the European Union’s PEACEPLUS Programme.

“I would like to thank everyone who participated in the extensive consultations that were undertaken on the co-design of this wonderful Action Plan. I am very pleased that my Department is an Accountable Department for this Investment Area and I look forward to supporting these essential plans in each of the local authority areas and working with all parties, including the Special EU Programmes Body and The Executive Office in Northern Ireland, to ensure their delivery for the benefit of all.

“Giving local authorities and their communities the power to choose, develop, and implement cross-community priority projects and activities, will support local community regeneration even further, while also promoting peace and reconciliation.

“I wish every local authority success in their endeavours.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “We are delighted to make this announcement today which will see investment targeted at addressing specific needs in Belfast.

“All local authorities within Northern Ireland and the border counties have been allocated a PEACEPLUS budget to undertake a programme of local investment to address local challenges.

“Our funding approach ensures that these Plans are designed in collaboration with residents and organisations within their area, and address specific needs such as local regeneration, building positive relations, and celebrating identity and diversity.

“I congratulate Belfast City Council, the sixth Council to receive their allocation, on their Action Plan, and I look forward to watching the transformational impact these projects will have at a local level.”

Today’s is the fourth funding announcement under the PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community PEACE Action Plans investment area, which supports projects developed and delivered by local councils in collaboration with their local communities. In March, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Cavan County Council received their awards, and in May, Causeway Coast and Glens Council and Leitrim County Council were awarded funding, followed by Donegal County Council in June.
All local authorities within Northern Ireland and the border counties will receive PEACEPLUS funding. Each council must submit a programme of local investment aimed at addressing specific local challenges. The plan must be designed in collaboration with residents and organisations within their area, and address specific needs such as local regeneration, building positive relations, and celebrating identity and diversity.