Monaghan County Council Launch ‘The Peace Campus’ Project

Posted on By sconnolly2

Monaghan County Council Launch 'The Peace Campus' Project

Monaghan County Council launched ‘The Peace Campus’ project on Monday 29th April 2019.  ‘The Peace Campus’ will bring much needed neutral shared space to Monaghan.

This €14.5 million project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) which awarded €9.5 million to Monaghan County Council to deliver the project.

The balance of the funding is being provided by Monaghan County Council from various sources. Match-funding has also been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.

The launch event was held on Monday 29th April, with over 80 people in attendance.  Representatives of the Council included the Chief Executive Eamonn O’Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Councillor David Maxwell, Director of Capital Projects Cathal Flynn and Elected Members.  Also in attendance was Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Heather Humphreys TD, other local TDs, MEP’s and representatives from the Department of Rural and Community Development (Ire) and the Department for Communities (NI).

Speaking at the Launch, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Eamonn O’Sullivan said, “The Peace Campus project was developed to address the needs that still exist in our communities today such as issues of segregation, fears to engage and an unwillingness to express identity.  This project will allow all communities to come together to engage in a safe setting.  It will be of major significance as it is the first time that the Orange Order and the Ulster Scots Agency have engaged in a Peace Programme in County Monaghan.”

Representatives from SEUPB were also in attendance and provided an overview from a funding perspective.  Speaking at the event Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body said; “Unfortunately our society remains deeply segregated, which reduces the opportunities for many citizens to mix with, understand and learn from each other. This only serves to perpetuate a cycle of division which prevents us from making new and positive relationships with people within our local communities, who are from a different background or culture, or hold different views. Projects like this within the PEACE IV Programme, will help to end that cycle as it will break down barriers, bring people together and help combat prejudice and intolerance.”

The launch event marked the official start of ‘The Peace Campus’ project.  This project, in addition to the development of much needed community space in a neutral setting, also includes a youth facility, a new town library and a cultural heritage area.  The overall aim of this project is to engage with all communities especially where there is a legacy of difference and segregation in relation to attitudes and beliefs.  This project will seek to dispel myths and allow relationships to be built which will not only benefit individuals but also the wider community.

The tender competition for the construction of this iconic facility is now open, and further details can be found on the e-tenders website www.etenders.gov.ie.

The PEACE IV Programme is an EU funded Programme designed to support peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border region.   It is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

This project has been supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

PEACE IV Programme Boilerplate

  • The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland.
  • It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
  • The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.
  • The PEACE IV Programme has a value of €270 million and aims to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.
  • For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu
  • Further information can be provided by contacting Nicola Payne at Monaghan County Council ay 047 30500 ext. 1426 or npayne@monaghancoco.ie