£2.6 million secured to deliver PEACE IV local action plan for district

by Gráinne Connolly

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has secured £2.6 million to deliver a PEACE IV local action plan for the district to promote positive relations between people from different backgrounds and communities. 

The programme is supported by the European Union's PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). 

Information workshops and events will take place across the district over the next number of months for residents to find out about the opportunities available through the programme and how they can take part. 

Speaking at the launch event, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Stephen McCann said: 

"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to have secured £2.6m funding to lead on promoting peace building and reconciliation within the district. 

"This programme, through the delivery of the Local Action Plan, will have a significant positive impact on our residents, helping people from all sides of the community come together to form lasting, positive and meaningful relationships."

The PEACE IV Local Action Plan will support 15 programmes or initiatives across three key themes - Children and Young People, Shared Spaces and Services; and Building Positive Relations.

The plan was developed following extensive consultation in 2016 with local communities to ensure actions address their needs and issues identified. 

Speaking about the PEACE IV programme, Chair of the PEACE IV Partnership, Councillor Robert Irvine, said each programme or initiative will support peace building and cross community interaction through a range of approaches.

That's including the likes of sports, arts, heritage, horticulture, language support and community development.

“The PEACE IV Partnership is confident that each programme or initiative will make a lasting and positive change, by bringing communities together and building positive relationships”. 

To register interest in the upcoming workshops and events you can contact Deborah McCartan, PEACE IV Coordinator, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council:

0300 303 1777 or by emailing deborah.mccartan@fermanaghomagh.com.