Pat The Cope Gallagher MEP
Ireland Midlands / North West MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has confirmed today that the total budget for the PEACE programme for the period 2014 to 2020 will be EUR 200 million.
Mr Gallagher also confirmed that in the coming weeks a public consultation on the draft operational programme will be launched.
The announcement is a major boost for many Donegal groups which rely on PEACE funding.
The main aims of the PEACE Programme are to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society in the Border Region and the North and to promote reconciliation by assisting projects which help to reconcile communities and contribute towards a shared society.
Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP stated in the European Parliament: “The EU budget agreement provides a special allocation of EUR 150 million to continue the PEACE programme. An additional contribution by the British government will bring the total amount available under the fund for the period 2014 to 2020 to EUR 200 million.
“The PEACE programme is vitally important to Northern Ireland and the entire border region of Ireland including the counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal. The EU has contributed over EUR 1.5 billion to the PEACE fund since its inception in 1994.
“I understand that a draft operational programme will be reviewed by both the Irish and British Governments. And I expect that a full public consultation will be launched on the draft programme in the next number of weeks.”
MEP Gallagher concluded “I strongly believe that the extension of the programme will further help to develop peace and reconciliation on the Island of Ireland. I cannot underestimate the importance of the role played by the EU in the Irish peace process through the PEACE programme and separately through the International Fund for Ireland.”