Peaceplus funding in border counties to be discussed in Dáil

Members of the Special EU Programmes Body will be in attendance

The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will meet on Thursday, January 18 for engagement with the Special EU Programmes Body.

The meeting will take place between 9:30am and 12:30pm in Leinster House and representatives from Special EU Programmes Body, Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer; Paul Beattie, Director of Managing Authority; and Mark Huddleston, Peaceplus Joint Secretariat Interim Director will appear at the Committee.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said that Peaceplus is a cross-border funding programme designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties.

“This year the organisation marks its 25th anniversary and has increased its funding programme,” he continued. "Despite the closure of some projects due to Brexit, the Peaceplus Programme will continue to provide vital support to Northern Ireland and the border counties with an investment of €1.14bn focusing on embedding peace and promoting prosperity across the region.”

He added; "Investment is vital because building a peaceful society must go hand-in-hand with building a prosperous society. We look forward to discussing its plans for this year and other related matters.”