Ards and North Down Borough Council launches €5.6m PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan

Ards and North Down Borough Council has officially launched its €5,681,833 PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Action Plan, which will be focused on fostering positive relations between people from all backgrounds and building a shared, inclusive future.

The Local Action Plan is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Developed through an inclusive co-design process involving local communities, voluntary groups and stakeholders, the Ards and North Down PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Action Plan will strengthen community connections, encourage collaboration, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity across the Borough.

The programme will support the delivery of 23 projects under three strategic themes:

• Local Community Regeneration and Transformation
• Building Thriving and Peaceful Communities
• Celebrating Cultures and Diversity

This significant investment will play a key role in creating a more cohesive and resilient Borough for all.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.

Minister Calleary said: "I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to all individuals involved in the development of the PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Action Plan for Ards and North Down Borough Council. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and The Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will support this remarkable action plan".

Minister Buttimer added: "I believe that the 23 regional community relations projects funded by this plan will play a crucial role in fostering long-term peacebuilding in Ards and North Down, as well as in the neighbouring areas. The successful execution of this initiative will pave the way for lasting long-term benefits across the region".

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:"This Co-designed Local Community Action Plan sets out to create a more cohesive, peaceful, and prosperous society across Ards and North Down. The PEACEPLUS Programme is committed to supporting ambitious, inclusive, and forward-looking initiatives like this.

"It is clear to see that it has been designed to meet the needs of a diverse local community, with strong cross-community elements and consideration of changing demographics.

"The 23 projects set out in this Action Plan aim to deliver sustained cross-community engagement with transformative peace and reconciliation impact, addressing the specific needs and challenges of the Borough."

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said: "This is a significant investment for our Borough. Belonging is the overarching theme of my Mayoral year and the delivery of 23 projects through the PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Action Plan will help foster everyone's sense of belonging in Ards and North Down. These projects will provide a substantial boost to the people in our Borough and will help everyone build a better future together."

For more information about the Ards and North Down PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Action Plan, please contact the PEACEPLUS Officer at Ards and North Down Borough Council on 0300 013 3333 or via email at peace@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or visit PEACEPLUS Programme - Ards and North Down Borough Council