Three projects have secured investment through the Peaceplus initiative, which will benefit thousands of residents, businesses, and voluntary organizations. These projects aim to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, boost economic growth, and influence policy.

Peaceplus is a €1.14 billion programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Among the funded projects is Mini Digi Hubs, which will revitalize the east border region by converting five underused public buildings into digital hubs and establishing a mobile digital lab.

Project partners include Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), Monaghan County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Meath County Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The Smart Rural Innovation Driven Empowerment programme also received funding and aims to help rural communities leverage ICT solutions. Led by South West College, the project partners with Ulster University, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Leitrim County Enterprise Fund, and Alacrity.

A third funded project, DS3, focuses on closing the ICT skills gap in rural communities across seven council areas.

Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir commented, “Collaboration and cross-border cooperation are vital to supporting rural communities, where people seek to live, work, and engage sustainably and responsibly. Connectivity is crucial for this, and the development of Smart Towns and Villages offers an exciting opportunity to enhance access to telecommunications.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys added, “I’m thrilled that an additional €13 million has been approved for Peaceplus projects. These initiatives, under the Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area, will promote socio-economic inclusion for marginalized communities and support the repopulation and economic development of rural towns and villages.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre stated, “Peaceplus will facilitate the development of joint solutions for Smart Towns and Villages, integrating digital hubs that promote remote working and ICT-driven social innovation to improve service delivery in key sectors like health and education. This approach will enhance access to telecommunications, allowing communities to use technology to improve their social and economic conditions.”

Peaceplus is co-funded by the European Union, the UK and Irish governments, and the Northern Ireland Executive.