MacManus encourages border county engagement in €1Billion fund consultation

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has welcomed the launch by the SEUPB (Special EU Programmes Body) of a consultation on PEACE Plus- the €1bn EU and north-south funded programme for peace and reconciliation. And called on communities and groups to have their voice heard.

MacManus said:

“I welcome the progress that has been made in bringing the next chapter in PEACE to fruition and I call on the public and all interested bodies to have their voice heard. Having previously worked on PEACE funded projects, I can attest to how beneficial the funding is to the communities that need it. This is a substantial fund and I believe that local communities across the counties that can access PEACE funding should decide how it is spent.”

“The programme will cover the six counties in the north and the counties of Sligo, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Louth on the southern side of the border. PEACE has been a huge force for good in previous times and now, with Brexit damaging so many relationships in the border counties, it is essential that we get this programme right.”

The Midlands Northwest outlined the consultations themes and encouraged engagement. “The consultation runs until May 12th. The programme, has 6 suggested themes: Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities, Delivering Economic Regeneration and Transformation, Empowering and Investing in our young people, Healthy and Inclusive Communities, Supporting a Sustainable and Better Connected Future, and Building and Embedding Partnership and Collaboration.”

“I urge all bodies and interested people to engage with the process.” ENDS

Link to Consultation:

https://www.seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS