Funding of more than €4.3 million has been awarded for the delivery of Cavan PEACEPLUS Programme, provided by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The Cavan PEACEPLUS plan was developed after extensive consultation using the co-design process to address needs within the Council area and in particular how PEACEPLUS can address a lack of historic investment due to conflict and enhance peace and reconciliation in the county.

The Shared Spaces projects in the plan are deemed the best vehicle to create the conditions to bring people together both from within the County and on a cross-border basis. The lack of these facilities has had a direct and negative impact on efforts to integrate the communities of Cavan and the border counties and build inclusive and shared communities.

Respecting the changes in society with the increasingly ethnically diverse community, this PEACEPLUS plan places an additional emphasis on increasing sustained and meaningful engagement with participants from minority ethnic communities and those of different racial backgrounds.

The Action Plan has 27 projects across three themes: Community Regeneration and Transformation; Thriving and Peaceful Communities; and Celebrating Cultural Diversity.

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Welcoming the funding announcement, Cathaoirleach Philip Brady, said: "PEACE funding has done much to combat disadvantage and build greater understanding between communities in the border region, and I am delighted to see that funding has been made available for the ambitious and wide-ranging PEACEPLUS Cavan Action Plan, which will allow Cavan County Council and its partners to continue their vital peace-building work."

Chief Executive of Cavan Council Eoin Doyle also hailed the €4.3million funding award and hailed the efforts of all who brought the Cavan County Council PEACEPLUS Plan to this juncture: "A tremendous amount of work has gone into making this significant funding award possible, I want to pay tribute to our PEACE Programme Manager Jane Crudden, the membership of Cavan’s PEACEPLUS Partnership, and all those who contributed to the public consultation process."

Director of Service and Chair of the PEACEPLUS partnership Brendan Jennings said: "Since the commencement of the PEACE programme, much has been accomplished and Cavan County Council, as lead partner, is proud of what has been delivered to date and the benefits PEACE funding has brought to our local communities.

"Whilst we recognise the achievements to date, we know that there is much more to do in building sustainable Peace. We are confident that this announcement of PEACEPLUS funding for the Local authority action plan will support projects that will leave a legacy and build lasting friendships."

Chief Officer of Cavan LCDC, with Cavan County Council, John Donohoe said "This welcome investment reflects Cavan County Council’s commitment, genuine and sincere intentions to promote peace and reconciliation in our communities."

PEACE programme Manager Jane Crudden concluded: "I am delighted that the action plan has been approved and will provide the funding to support groups to come together and get thinking and talking about difference, and to explore the truth of living with prejudice and discrimination, thereby bridging the gaps between intolerance and understanding."

The PEACEPLUS Programme, is a European Union initiative, which helps address the peace and reconciliation needs of Northern Ireland and the Border region. The funding is administered by the Special EU Programmes Body.