The Leitrim County PEACE IV Action Plan was launched on September 21st to coincide with the International Day of Peace. The launch took place in The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon where the Leitrim County PEACE IV Partnership has confirmed over €1.8 million in funding for programmes in Leitrim. The PEACE IV programme is funded through the European Union, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and has been designed to promote peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland and the border counties. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is the managing authority for this programme with responsibility for its implementation and delivery.
The Leitrim PEACE IV Partnership was established in 2016 as a sub-committee of the Local Community Development Committee and is led by Leitrim County Council. The membership includes representatives from Leitrim County Council, development agencies, community partners and statutory agencies. Following public consultation the Partnership has been responsible for developing the PEACE IV Action Plan for Leitrim.
The Plan was developed around 3 specific themes; Building Positive Relations, Children and Young People and Shared Space and Services. The Building Positive Relations theme aims to promote positive relations characterised by respect, and where cultural diversity is celebrated and people can live, learn and socialise together. Leitrim PEACE IV Partnership will deliver this programme working with various organisations throughout the County.
Programmes aimed at children and young people will enhance their capacity to form positive and effective relationships with others of a different background through cross border activities, diversity and peace learning programmes.
The Shared Space and Services theme will support a number of locally-based projects and initiatives throughout County Leitrim. This theme aims to create a more cohesive society through new shared civic spaces that will be used by all sections of the community, leading to changes in both attitudes and behaviour.
Vice Chair of Leitrim County Council, Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the launch of the PEACE IV Action Plan highlighting the importance of this funding in promoting reconciliation, understanding of diversity and good relations throughout the county.
