SEUPB

Twelve projects from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland have been awarded a total of €919,794 in Change Maker funding to deliver innovative, community-led initiatives that promote connection, inclusion and peacebuilding. The funded projects bring together partners from the voluntary, education, cultural and public sectors to address issues including rural isolation, shared education, mental wellbeing, youth engagement, community relations and cross-border collaboration. Collectively, they reflect the diversity, creativity and impact of locally led approaches to building stronger, more connected communities. Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/co… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €15,480 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Armagh Harps GFC – Armagh Community Engagement Purpose: A cross community sports initiative bringing together children from Catholic, Protestant and BME backgrounds through a winter multi sports programme in #Armagh. It aims to reduce community tensions and build inclusion in a diverse and disadvantaged area. Applications close 30 June: seupb.eu/peaceplus/chan… @ArmaghHarpsGFC @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €99,565 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: West Fermanagh Farmers – Shared Environment, Education & Farming Programme Purpose: A cross community, farm based education programme engaging primary school pupils in shared outdoor learning in West #Fermanagh. Designed with @QUBelfast, it promotes environmental awareness, collaboration and improved relationships between schools from different community backgrounds. Applications close 30 June. Apply here seupb.eu/peaceplus/chan… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

🎙️ Exciting news! Episode 12 of our PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks Shared Education podcast series is now live. This episode explores inspiring stories from early years educators who have run joint sessions in collaborative preschool settings. We also get to hear from some of the children within the settings. Discover how shared learning experiences and the Lundy Model of Participation are making a difference in preschool education. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on pupil voice, partnership, and meaningful participation. Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7 #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

The PEACEPLUS CONNECT project supporting leadership, festivals & media to strengthen community ties across NI and the border counties, launched in Feb. Now you can catch the highlights: britishcouncil.ie/programmes/soc…

📢 Stay up to date with the latest developments across PEACEPLUS 📰 Our newsletter brings you the latest programme news, funding opportunities, project updates and upcoming events. 👉 Don’t miss out — subscribe to the PEACEPLUS mailing list here: mailchi.mp/seupb/peaceplu…

Confirmed: €18,150 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Rural Support – Common Ground Purpose: A cross community storytelling project bringing together farming groups across border regions, including West #Fermanagh, to share experiences, reduce isolation and build connections. Workshops will capture rural stories and culminate in a legacy publication and celebration event. @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Delighted to attend the launch of the €4.9m #PEACEPLUS‑supported Smart Village Network Project, driving digital innovation, sustainability and social inclusion across the North West. A strong cross‑border partnership will support rural communities through digital hubs, skills development and inclusive growth—helping build a more connected and resilient future. Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/sm… #SmartVillages #DigitalInnovation #RuralDevelopment #CrossBorderCooperation

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed at Belfast’s Grand Central Station an investment of £548m in new trains operating between Belfast and Dublin. Due for delivery late in 2028, the new Intercity trains – based on Stadler’s proven FLIRT platform - have been purpose designed for the Enterprise route and will deliver a major step change in comfort and customer experience. The project is jointly funded by the NI Executive, Department for Infrastructure, the Government of Ireland, Department of Transport, and supported with €165m through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The Minister said: “I am delighted to be part of this momentous occasion to highlight the overall investment £548m, of which over £200m is being provided by my Department. This represents investing with confidence in a modern, sustainable and connected transport future. It demonstrates our intent on delivery and our commitment to connecting communities, supporting the economy, developing tourism and most importantly of all modernising and improving services for the travelling public” Watch ⤵️ More details: seupb.eu/latest/news/fi… @niexecutive @GovIE @Dept_Transport @LizKimminsSF @Translink_NI @IrishRail @NIOgov @SEUPB

🎥 The First Minister and deputy First Minister have welcomed the signing of a £548million contract for the purchase of a new fleet of intercity trains for the Enterprise service. The major investment, part-funded by the NI Executive, was announced at Grand Central Station in Belfast. The First Minister and deputy First Minister said the new trains will improve services on the Belfast - Dublin rail link, offering faster travel times, better passenger experience, more accessibility and increased connectivity. @Translink_NI @IrishRail @deptinfra @GovIE @SEUPB @NIOgov

Europe Day 2026 marks the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, presented on 9 May 1950. The declaration laid the foundations for the European Union and opened an era defined by peace, democratic cooperation and shared responsibility across Europe. This year’s Europe Day places a renewed emphasis on values and democracy at a time of global uncertainty. It is a moment to reflect on what has been achieved.  For Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, the impact of European Union support programmes has been tangible and far‑reaching. Through the suite of #PEACE and #INTERREG programmes, as well as the current #PEACEPLUS programme, @SEUPB has helped deliver more than €3.39 billion across over 23,000 projects, supporting reconciliation, strengthening communities and creating practical opportunities that reach into everyday life. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “Over the past three decades, EU funding has had a monumental impact on so many lives across Northern Ireland and the border counties. It has helped communities through periods of real challenge, supported peace and reconciliation, and shown how cooperation can deliver lasting benefits for people and places.” PEACEPLUS is the most ambitious expression of that work to date. With a total value of €1.14 billion, the programme is focused on addressing the continuing impact of our past, while building the conditions for a more connected, inclusive and resilient society. It is possible thanks to the continued partnership of the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. This Europe Day, we are also looking ahead to the incoming Irish Presidency of the European Union, and the opportunity it offers to further strengthen cooperation, shared values and democratic engagement across Europe. You can find out more about Europe Day here: european-union.europa.eu/principles-cou… 
#EuropeDay

We were delighted to attend the launch of CliBeef, a €5.75m PEACEPLUS‑supported cross‑border project led by @AFBI_NI, focused on helping farmers produce climate‑friendly beef. Delivered in partnership with @teagasc, @QUBelfast and @AgriSearchNI, CliBeef will work closely with 12 farms across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to develop practical, farm‑ready solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:“CliBeef is a strong example of how cross-border collaboration and innovation can help address shared challenges facing key industries. By bringing together leading research organisations and farmers, this project will support the development of practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity and economic stability, all which will benefit our citizens. Peace, prosperity and cross border collaboration are fundamental objectives of PEACEPLUS.” Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/mu…

CliBeef, a cross-border project with the key goal of helping farmers produce climate-friendly beef led by AFBI & delivered in partnership with @teagasc, Ireland’s agriculture & food development authority, @QUBelfast & @AgriSearchNI was launched today. 🔗bit.ly/3RadU5P

A signing ceremony at Belfast Grand Central Station marked the beginning of a significant partnership to deliver a modern, high quality Intercity rail service - transforming the Enterprise experience for passengers and strengthening one of the island’s most important transport links. We were delighted to have First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, a senior representative from the UK Government and representatives from @Translink_NI and @IrishRail attending the event, with Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, and Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, formally signing a landmark contract with Swiss manufacturer Stadler for a new fleet of eight state-of-the-art Intercity trains for the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service. This major €698m cross‑border investment for new fleet and associated infrastructure, is jointly funded by the @ExecOfficeNI, @deptinfra and the @GovIE, @Dept_Transport, and supported with €165m through PEACEPLUS. The trains will also support expansion to up to 16 services per direction daily, strengthening long-term cross-border economic, cultural and social connectivity. Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/fi…

Take a look at this video highlighting the progress and impact of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project 🎥 First shown at ASPIRE’s Festival of Learning on 29 April, a major event celebrating collaboration and shared education across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, the video showcases how shared education is helping to build lasting partnerships across communities. PEACEPLUS ASPIRE (Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education) is led by the @Ed_Authority, alongside @Leargas, @earlyyearsorg, @ncn4children and @FermanaghTrust.

This is such a transformative project , which thanks to PEACEPLUS we have been able to make a significant contribution to, enabling future opportunities in peace building and prosperity. We are so grateful to the all the funders of PEACEPLUS for the continued support. @SEUPB

Secretary of State @hilarybennmp welcomes the landmark Enterprise deal, confirming that UK Government support via the PEACEPLUS programme will strengthen Northern Ireland’s economy.

Good luck @marathonbcm, Team @SEUPB! 👏👏👏

We have awarded dozens of brilliant projects already 👏 Get your application in now ⏰ @cooperationirl : @ruralaction_ni : @east_border

We were delighted to join the official launch of the Maximising Community Space (MCS) #PEACEPLUS project. Supported by PEACEPLUS and led by Rural Action in partnership with Irish Rural Link and the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network, the project will support community organisations to make shared spaces more inclusive, sustainable and better equipped to meet local needs. Through training, networking and practical support, MCS will help rural communities strengthen connections, build leadership and maximise the potential of the spaces that bring people together. SEUPB CEO Gina McIntyre said: “Projects like Maximising Community Space help create the conditions for continued progress – places where people feel safe, welcome and valued, and where relationships can grow naturally through shared experiences. “PEACEPLUS will continue to support initiatives that empower communities, strengthen relationships and leave a lasting legacy of understanding and cooperation. Maximising Community Space reflects these aims perfectly – placing people at the centre of its work and helping rural communities create places where everyone feels they belong.”