Sligo PEACEPLUS Programme
Launch of the Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community PEACE Action Plan
The launch of the Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community PEACE Action Plan took place in City Hall on Thursday 15th May 2025.
Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive, Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB), Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree, Kerry McFerran NI Executive
The plan is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and it was awarded funding of €3.604 million.
Delivered by Sligo County Council, the action plan will see the implementation of a diverse range of projects that address local challenges and promote peace and prosperity across County Sligo and with cross-border participation from now until the Summer of 2028.
The Sligo PEACEPLUS Action Plan was developed after an extensive consultation process led by Sligo County Council. Using the co-design process local groups were consulted to identify and address specific needs within the Sligo County Council area.
This resulted in the development of 15 projects across three themes and will comprise of four capital investment projects, eight capacity-building initiatives and three cultural and social inclusion programmes. These projects support peaceful and thriving communities and seek to enhance community integration and cohesion within the three themes of Community Regeneration and Transformation; Thriving and Peaceful Communities; and Celebrating Cultural Diversity.
The event was addressed by Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Declan Bree, Minister for Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly of the Northern Ireland Executive, Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, Cllr Donal Gilroy, Chair of the Local Community Development Committee and PEACEPLUS Partnership, and guest speaker Kirstie McLeod, Artist and Creator of the International Red Dress Project.
The event commenced with the Cathaoirleach welcoming attendees who travelled from Sligo and beyond to join the launch of the PEACEPLUS project.
Minister Dara Calleary said:
"I want to thank everyone who contributed to the development of Sligo County Council's PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Action Plan. Recently this initiative received approval for funding of more than €3.603 million from the PEACEPLUS programme.
“I commend the Hawk's Well Theatre, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Educational Training Board, the PEACEPLUS Partnership and Sligo County Council for creating and implementing this action plan. In my view, the 15 regional community relations projects funded by this plan will encourage more regular and significant cross-community and cross-border interactions and will play a major role in the long-term peacebuilding of County Sligo and the border region.
“I am delighted that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, together with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will provide support for this outstanding action plan. The successful execution of this plan will secure long-term benefits for the area.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“Sligo County Council’s PEACEPLUS Action Plan is an important initiative that will help strengthen community bonds and promote understanding across our region. This programme represents our shared commitment to building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future for everyone. It is through collaboration and unity that we continue to break down barriers and create lasting change. I commend everyone involved for their dedication to this important work and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on communities across Sligo and beyond.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“The launch of Sligo County Council’s PEACEPLUS initiative marks another step forward in fostering peace, connections, and shared prosperity. This programme offers a unique opportunity to strengthen community ties, promote inclusion, and build on the progress made towards lasting peace. It is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a common goal. I want to congratulate everyone involved in developing this Action Plan and look forward to seeing how it can help shape a better future for all.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:
“The continued momentum for peace, trust and a pathway to prosperity simply cannot be sustained without committed engagement at a local level.
“Through PEACEPLUS, a total of 17 local councils across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland will play a critically important role in administering much-needed funding through their respective Local Community Action Plans directly at the grass roots.
“I would like to congratulate Sligo County Council for presenting these exciting plans, and all those who helped design them. The work is truly representative of our required approach for a plan that is co-created with the local community, so ensuring that the projects supported reflective and responsive to local needs and challenges.
“There is no organisation, and no group of people, better equipped to lead on this local engagement than the local council authority and its team, and we look forward to watching the impact these projects will have.”
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Declan Bree said:
"We have all benefited from peace in Northern Ireland and PEACEPLUS now provides County Sligo with a further opportunity to continue the work of peacebuilding, joining with people North and South in continuing to contribute to a peaceful region and island.”
Chair of Sligo LCDC and the Sligo PEACEPLUS Partnership, Cllr. Dónal Gilroy remarked that:
“This is great occasion for County Sligo. The PEACEPLUS funding will support people to interact with, share and learn from each other. I encourage everyone to take part in the projects as they roll out. It will be a rewarding experience with a long-lasting legacy.”
In association with today’s launch, Sligo County Council and its PEACEPLUS Partnership was delighted to welcome Artist Ms Kirstie McLeod and her Internationally Renowned Red Dress Embroidery Project.
The award-winning Red Dress has 87 panels embroidered over 16 years by 380 people in 51 countries, including Ireland. Aimed initially to unite people globally across borders and boundaries The Red Dress Project evolved and became an opportunity for marginalised voices to self – express through art, prompting conversations on important and frequently uncomfortable issues. This was seen by the Council as a perfect match for the outcomes of Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan.
Having been exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide the appearance of The Red Dress at the Sligo PEACEPLUS launch is its first visit to Ireland. The exhibition was open to visitors at Sligo’s City Hall from 9 am – 5 pm Monday 12th May to Thursday 15th May (admission free).
Speaking at the launch, Artist Kirstie McLeod told assembled guests about her experiences facilitating project participation with communities who face marginalisation and exclusion.
The event was well supported by local Community Groups, Project Partners and Associate Partner and enjoyed by all who attended.
Update: June 2024
Sligo PEACEPLUS Application Submitted –
1.1 Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan
The approved Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan was submitted in application to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) on March 28th 2024. This will now be considered by SEUPB with a decision on approval expected in late August/early September 2024.
The Sligo PEACEPLUS Partnership and team thanks everyone who participated in the co-design process which supported development of the Plan. As with all processes, there were some great ideas that were explored during co-design that couldn’t be realised within the final approved Plan. That is no reflection on the proposals. PEACEPLUS has specific criteria and parameters that not every project proposal could fulfil. The inputs are recorded and should appropriate funding streams arise, every effort will be made to connect projects to suitable opportunities.
Summary of Sligo PEACEPLUS Plan Actions:
The details below provide an outline of the activities submitted in application based on the Co-design process and funding criteria.
Subject to approval, these projects will start to roll out gradually from October 2024.
For more information and/or to register interest in taking part in any of the projects – as an individual or as a group – please contact Tracy at tferguson@sligococo.ie, phone: 071 911 4422, mobile: 087 756 0274.
Proposed actions submitted in application for Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan
Subject to approval by Special EU Programmes Body
Local Community Regeneration and Transformation
Land of Art’s Desire:
Transformation of The Nest, in the heart of Sligo town, providing multi-purpose workshop, exhibition, rehearsal, and performance spaces targeting socially inclusive participation by young people diverse sectors of the community.
PAZMÁS – The Armada Across Seas and Borders
Installation of Augmented/Virtual Reality Armada exhibit and collaborative installation of uniform signage for visitor trail in PEACEPLUS region. Supported by cross-community exchange projects.
Celtic Connections:
Restoration and transformation of conservation building, Ballymote, creating Brother Walfrid Museum. Focus for social justice, good citizenship and heritage.
Dromore West Digiversal:
Promoting social inclusion through installation of Sensory Room, reconfiguration of main hall and use of technology to link and broadcast at Dromore West Community Centre.
Total: €1,136,780 (31.54%)
Thriving and Peaceful Communities
The GFA 4 Gen Z: Project Lighthouse:
Exploring what the Good Friday Agreement means to people under 25 through arts and media on a cross-border basis.
Cross-Border Friendship Tournament:
Cross-border, cross-community young people’s soccer tournament taking place across Sligo over 2 years and including good relations and diversity workshops and capacity for volunteers.
Men’s Sheds Exchange:
Cross-border, cross-community Men’s Sheds exchange. Facilitated and including shared experience and skills sharing.
Tuning Into Social Inclusion:
Cross-border and cross-community project targeting young people working together through music composition. Partner project with Music Generation, MSLETB.
Digital PEACEPLUS:
Facilitation of digital skills in youth with projects including disabled and older people culminating in digital showcase exhibits exploring diversity and shared experience.
A Biodiverse Year in Nature:
Supporting capacity and understanding of local biodiversity and preservation of same through 2-year immersion in local areas across the seasons and integrated Biodiversity Train the Trainer course.
We Can Fix It:
Supporting social inclusion, capacity building and promotion of sustainable principles through the circular economy. Establishment of Repair Cafes across Sligo over 2 years.
Supporting Local:
Tailored capacity building for community groups to support social inclusion and investment under Sligo PEACEPLUS. Linked to capital investment under Local Community Regeneration and Transformation.
Total: €786,102 (21.81%)
Celebrating Cultures and Diversity
Human Stories Unveiled:
Facilitated use of storytelling (film, photo, writing, podcasts, etc) by diverse groups to explore common experience and understanding. Promotion of marginalised and unheard experiences at centre of these projects.
The Sligo World Festival of Everything:
3-year programme of interactive exploration of diversity through food, film, dance, theatre, craft, song, music and fashion. Programme develops over duration culminating in celebration of complete suite of Sligo PEACEPLUS actions.
Shore to Shore:
Projects exploring Sligo’s history, heritage, folklore and mythology with expansion to cross-border and cross-community actions to build links and examine diversity and shared experience and support economic development.
Total: €754,266 (20.93%)
Other PEACEPLUS Funding:
PEACEPLUS is releasing a call under Investment Area 1.2, Empowering Communities, that seek applications for direct funding of up to €100,000 for communities. The fund will be administered by Pobal. Previously, this call was expected to open in March of this year. The revised timetable indicates that this fund will now open in May 2024. Notice of call opening will be published on this page and issued through direct email to all contacts on the PEACEPLUS information database. Please email peaceactionplan@sligococo.ie if you wish to be added to this list.
Other PEACEPLUS open calls may be viewed at https://www.seupb.eu/peaceplus/current-funding-opportunities
The Programme is a funding partnership between the European Union, the Governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive and will be administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Update: November 2023
Project development for the Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan is reaching its final stages. A later deadline has been announced: 28th March 2024. This means that approval will now be sought from Sligo PEACEPLUS Partnership in February 2024 at latest. Thank you for all your input and time to date.
We’d like to know what you think of the programmes we are developing, based on your input so far. These are the projects that are open to participation by all.
We want to know if you or your group might like to get involved in the projects we are developing. You can help us get this right by completing our online survey or getting in touch directly.
Our online survey is available until 10th December 2023, in English and irish at https://consult.sligococo.ie
Details of the proposed projects are also available in Arabic, Polish, Ukrainian and Urdu. Check out all the posters at the links below:
As ever, if you have other related questions, get in touch. Email: tferguson@sligococo.ie or phone 071 91 14422.
The first phase of co-design consultations for Sligo's PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan closed at the end of May 2023. This phase included public information sessions, public meetings, sectoral meetings, an online survey and facility for written submissions.
Shortlisting of project proposals received during the first phase of Co-design has been completed by the Sligo PEACEPLUS Partnership. Ideas selected are being further developed with a view to creating deliverable projects. This will involve establishing the aims, project activities, costs and timeline of projects, and who would be taking part and benefiting from projects. This process will include further engagement with relevant communities to ensure that project plans meet identified needs. One of the core principles of co-design is that the people taking part in and benefiting from a planned action are equal partners in the planning and design process of these actions.
Projects selected for further development may not be viable when explored in more depth.
Broadly, project ideas under consideration for development address the three themes under this Investment Area:
1.1.1: Local Community Regeneration and Transformation
Project ideas being developed under this theme include enhancing existing spaces for creative arts for young people, intergenerational and universal ability access, better cross-community relations, understanding of shared heritage and access to the outdoors with consideration of supporting local community and economic development through tourism, heritage and digital skills.
1.1.2 Thriving and Peaceful Communities:
Project ideas being developed under this theme include exploring the Peace Process 25 years on, mentoring for new community leaders, training local ambassadors, understanding and protecting local biodiversity, cross-border exchange for learning and friendship, supporting local prosperity and the circular economy, digital skills for local benefit, using music for integration and inclusion.
1.1.3 Celebrating Culture and Diversity
Project ideas being developed under this theme include events and festivals using food, crafts, dance, drama, fashion, language, film, animation, history, heritage, farming, cooking, story-telling, poetry, literature, photography, folklore, and whatever means possible, to get people together and learning from one another.
Reasons for projects not being considered for further development:
The time and consideration of people to attend meetings and provide input is sincerely appreciated. Unfortunately, not all ideas were suitable for further development. No submission was excluded without reason. These reasons include:
- The proposal was outside the scale of our programme in either delivery and/or cost;
- Another more suitable funding stream is available for the proposal;
- the service already exists (duplication/displacement);
- ownership of property and/or requirement for planning permission;
- the proposal was not aligned with the requirements and aims of PEACEPLUS.
Submission of an idea that is not developed does not affect your participation, or that of your community - group or area – in any of the projects that are included in the final Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan. We hope you can continue to support and take part in the Programme as it develops.
What Happens Next:
Projects are further developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders – the proposer/s, potential participants, etc. If a project looks viable, it will be taken to the next stage for detailed costing and planning of timelines, how the project can be delivered and identifying the expected outcomes. These will be agreed with relevant stakeholders and officially sanctioned by the Sligo PEACEPLUS Partnership for inclusion in the final Sligo Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan and submitted in application to the Special EU Programmes Body. The deadline for application is 28th March 2024.
Note: a project being selected for further development does not guarantee inclusion in the Sligo Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan to be submitted to Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), as the project development process may demonstrate a project is not viable to implement under this programme.
The official call for this Investment Area was issued by the SEUPB on 15th June. To see all details associated with the call, please visit Current Funding - Investment Area 1.1
PEACEPLUS in Sligo 2023-2027
PEACEPLUS is a new funding programme from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties.
Sligo County Council has been awarded indicative funding of €3.604 million to develop and implement a Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan. The plan will be built on three core themes:
- Local community regeneration and transformation: transformation and re-imaging of individual or collective areas within a community in a manner which challenges initial perceptions and increases levels of shared pride.
- Thriving and peaceful communities: to build the capacity of local organisations through cross community collaboration.
- Celebrating culture and diversity: to build, improve and sustain relationships between and within communities by addressing issues of trust, prejudice and intolerance.
The co-design model is an approach based on participation where the people taking part in and benefiting from a planned action are equal partners in the planning and design process of these actions.
Co-design is more than local consultation.
This process relies on you, as community representatives and individuals, to be involved.
The co-design approach enables diverse partnerships to establish priority actions for their local areas and collectively address these in a manner which will make a significant and lasting contribution to peace and reconciliation.
The first phase of co-design for the Sligo Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan took place during Jan-June 2023. It included Public Information Sessions, Public Co-design Consultation Meetings, targeted conversations with identified stakeholders, an online survey and facility for written submissions.
If you would like:
- more information,
- to be added to updates list,
contact Tracy Ferguson, Senior Staff Officer with responsibility for managing Sligo PEACEPLUS Programme at tferguson@sligococo.ie, phone: 071 911 4422, mobile: 087 756 0274.
For an overview of the entire programme see PEACEPLUS Programme Overview.
Small Grants
PEACEPLUS will have a direct application small grants programme. Grants of up to €100k will be considered. The administration of this programme will be managed by Pobal and the call for applications is scheduled to open March 2024.