PEACE IV programme launched by Derry City and Strabane Council

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Council's Peace IV Partnership Board are launching a £6.1 million Peace IV Programme. 

They're inviting communities and interested individuals to register for the launch event celebrating the funding under the European Union's new programme coming to the local area. 

The launch is a 'Café Culture' style half day conference for community organisations, youth organisations, volunteers and individuals in the council area and immediate cross border areas.

It will give them the chance to develop a better understanding of what's in the local £6.1 million PEACE IV programme and how to engage with and benefit from it. 

Newly elected Mayor and Councillor Maolíosa McHugh stated: 

"This European Peace funding to help build positive relations locally will make a significant difference on the ground across our entire council area from rural areas, towns and villages in the city, 

PEACE IV funding is strongly focused on reconciliation, challenging prejudice and promoting understanding of diversity and good relations."

Gina McIntyre, the CEO with the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the programme said: 

"Local authorities will make an invaluable contribution to the delivery of the new PEACE IV Programme by ensuring that funding is distributed at a local level where it can make a real impact.

"In providing this support the EU will help to promote positive relations between people from all walks of life so that they can live, learn and socialise together free from intolerance.

"The event is about recognising this investment and finding out how it will be delivered through the partnerships that have been created by Derry City and Strabane District Council.”

The council’s PEACE IV team will be responsible for the delivery of a ‘PEACE Action Plan’ focused on three key themes:

‘Children & Young People’; ‘Shared Spaces and Services’ and ‘Building Positive Relations’.

The roll out of the programme on the ground is now beginning. 

Anyone interested in attending the launch can sign up to the PEACE IV e-bulletins by going on to the web page: 

www.derrystrabane.com/Peace-IV

Advanced registration is required for the launch event which will be held in the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry at 10.00am on Wednesday 21st June.

There's optional return bus transport for Castlederg/Strabane area attendees, which will be provided free. 

The bus leaves Derg Valley Leisure Centre at 8.40am which pick up at Council offices in Strabane at 9.10am, then direct to the Waterfoot Hotel. 

For more information or to book contact peace@derrystrabane.com by Friday 16th June. 

A maximum of 5 people per organization may register.