Monaghan County Council celebrated the iconic ‘Monaghan Peace Campus’ building project development on Friday 10th May 2024, which will bring much needed neutral shared space to Monaghan.
This €21.7 million project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) which awarded €14.4 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 celebration event was held on Friday 10th May, with over 200 people in attendance invited to acknowledge the significant levels of support from all those involved in the delivery of the project building. In attendance at the event was the Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Councillor David Maxwell, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD, Chief Executive of SEUPB Gina McIntyre, John Smith, Deputy Secretary, Communities, Place and Local Government Group, Department for Communities; Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council Robert Burns, Director of Capital Projects at Monaghan County Council Cathal Flynn, Ian Crozier, CEO Ulster-Scots Agency, Elected Members, other local TDs, MEP’s and representatives from the Department of Rural and Community Development (Ire) and the Department for Communities (NI).
Representatives from SEUPB were in attendance and provided an overview from a funding perspective.
Speaking at the Launch, Cathaoirleach Councillor David Maxwell 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 wonderful facility will allow all communities to come together to engage in a safe setting. To dispel myths and allow relationships to be built which will not only benefit individuals but also the wider community.”
This project, in addition to the development of much needed community space in a neutral setting, also includes a youth facility, community services, hire spaces, a new town library and a new home for Monaghan County Museum. 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.
Further information about Monaghan Peace Campus can be found at www.monaghancoco.ie.
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Editor’s Note:
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 at 047 30500 ext. 1426 or npayne@monaghancoco.ie.
