EU Programme for Peace & Reconciliation 2000 2004

The European Union announced details of a new Peace II funding programme for the period 2000 2004 in late Spring 2002. The Donegal Task Force for Peace & Reconciliation has been given the responsibility for allocating ¬1.2M by December 2002 between two measures namely:-

  • Measure 3.3 Building Better Communities and

  • Measure 3.4 Improving our Rural Communities.

The 2003 allocation is scheduled to be announced in February/March 2003.

The strategic aim of the programme is "to Reinforce Progress towards a Peaceful and Stable Society and to Promote Reconciliation".

It is envisaged that this will be obtained through two objectives:

  1. Addressing the legacy of conflict

  2. Taking opportunities arising from Peace

Eligible areas of support inlcude:

Measure 3.3 Building Better Communities:-

  • Improvements which enhance the physical environment of housing estates including local infrastructural projects in communities effected by displacement or the effects of the Northern Ireland Conflict.

  • The development of open spaces in derelict sites to enhance the local environment and tourism potential.

  • Support for local transport initiatives where particular local need exist and where they lead to greater mobility and improved equality of access for people with disabilities and others less likely to have access to transport.

  • Local communities devising/delivering economic, social and environmental regenerating strategies.

  • The improvement of access to community centres

  • The innovative use of derelict buildings.

  • Support for small tourist product initiatives which enhance the visible appeal of an area.

 

Measure 3.4 Improving our Rural Communities:-

  • Upgrading of public housing estates by the improvement of amenities, physical appearance, services and management services.

  • Developing open spaces, streetscapes and derelict sites that regenerate villages as attractive commercial and residential locations and enhance their tourist potential.

  • Social economy support for the provision of neighbourhood services.

  • Developing rural based tourism, local heritage and cultural based activities and off farm craft related enterprise.

  • Supporting small tourism product initiatives that enhance the visual appeal of an area.

The Donegal Task Force welcomes applications from community based groups and individual project promoters throughout the county and for further information on the eligibility criteria for the Peace II Funding Programme please contact JoAnne at 074 72567 or alternatively visit www.eugrants.org.