An €8.4 million cross-border initiative known as RESTART has officially launched, aiming to revitalise the rural border communities of Belturbet, Clones and Newtownbutler.
The Rural Economic & Social Transformation And Resilience Transition Together (RESTART) programme is designed to address the long-term impacts of historical conflict, economic decline and social fragmentation in these towns.
Supported by Special EU Programmes Body through the PEACEPLUS programme, RESTART brings together a strong cross-border partnership committed to long-term regeneration and community resilience.
A Cross-Border Partnership for Lasting Change
The RESTART project unites:
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
- Monaghan County Council
- Cavan County Council
- Erne East Community Partnership Ltd
- Clones Family Resource Centre
- Clones Erne East Community Sports Facility
Together, the partnership shares a clear vision: to enable rural communities along the border to thrive socially, economically and environmentally.
What RESTART Will Deliver
Over the next three years, RESTART will focus on social inclusion, rural regeneration and community cohesion through a mix of capital investment and community-led initiatives.
Key Commitments
- Support 117 enterprises and 9 social enterprises
- Deliver three capital investment projects
- Engage over 19,000 participants through new facilities, services and programmes
Programme Activities
The initiative will include:
- Redevelopment of derelict or underused buildings into vibrant community hubs
- Town centre regeneration projects
- Training and mentoring for community organisations
- Youth development programmes
- Sports and wellbeing initiatives
- Cultural and shared heritage projects
The goal is not only economic growth, but stronger cross-border relationships and long-term resilience.
Government and Programme Support
The project is funded through PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, and supported by both Northern Ireland and Irish Government departments.
Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, said the initiative will strengthen relationships and deliver tangible benefits through the redevelopment of community hubs offering youth, social and wellbeing programmes.
In the Republic of Ireland, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, alongside Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, welcomed the substantial investment, describing it as a long-term boost to rural accessibility and community development.
Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, emphasised that RESTART reflects the core purpose of the PEACEPLUS programme: building trust, strengthening cooperation and creating the conditions for lasting stability and prosperity across the region.
Strengthening Rural Border Towns
At its core, RESTART aims to improve quality of life in:
- Newtownbutler
- Clones
- Belturbet
These towns share common challenges, but also shared opportunities. By working collaboratively across the border, the partnership hopes to unlock regional potential while addressing social and economic inequality.
Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, described the funding as a significant investment in long-term resilience, combining immediate impact with sustainable, community-driven growth.
A Long-Term Vision for Prosperity
The €8.4 million RESTART initiative represents more than infrastructure investment. It is a coordinated effort to:
- Rebuild confidence in rural border communities
- Support local enterprise and employment
- Promote social inclusion and shared heritage
- Strengthen cross-border cooperation
If delivered as planned, the programme will create stronger, more connected communities across this historic border region.
The three-year rollout now begins, with project partners focused on turning investment into measurable impact for thousands of residents.
