SEUPB publish PEACEPLUS Stakeholder Engagement Survey report

As part of its development and preparation of the  new PEACE PLUS programme  the Special EU Programmes Body  (SEUPB) invited input from a wide range of key stakeholders across Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland, via a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Survey.

The survey was carried out over the over the period November 2019 to end February 2020 alongside a range of complimentary public consultation events.

The purpose of the survey was to obtain direct input from stakeholders on potential funding themes for the PEACE PLUS Programme as well as feedback on delivery and implementation options proposed in a set of draft regulations.

A series of both public events and smaller, bespoke consultation events for umbrella and youth organisations where held, alongside a social media campaign to maximise awareness of the survey and support and encourage responses.

This week  the SEUPB   published a report summarising the responses to the survey, the findings of which they say will form a key component of the overall development process for the PEACE PLUS Programme. 

A copy of the summary report can be viewed HERE

Speaking about the publication of the  report SEUPB Chief Executive, Gina McIntyre stated: 

"SEUPB are developing this Programme with communities at the heart of it, with the aim of building peace and prosperity to leave a lasting legacy in the region. 

 

A considerable amount of preparatory work, research and stakeholder engagement has taken place in the development of the new programme and we are at an advanced stage of preparation. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in submitting a survey response and in attending the public events.  

 

We will continue to develop the content of the Programme over the coming months with a view to implementing the new Programme by 2021. A statutory public statutory consultation on the draft Programme will take place in the Autumn."

 

PEACE PLUS is a new cross-border EU funding programme for the 2021-2027 period, which will succeed both of the current  2014-2020 PEACE IV  and INTERREG VA Programmes.   PEACE PLUS shall build on the work of these current programmes by funding activities related to peace and reconciliation and to economic, social and environmental development in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland.

NICVA welcomes publication of this summary report as an important next step towards delivery of a PEACE PLUS programme for Northern Ireland. 

We look forward with interest to this next stage in the programme’s development, including the opportunity to support the sector in responding to the planned statutory public consultation.

As the SEUPB continues in its development and delivery of the PEACE PLUS programme NICVA and its members would welcome continued opportunity to support and inform this important work.

To find out more about NICVAs response to the PEACEPLUS Stakeholder Engagement Survey you can visit HERE

The PEACE PLUS Stakeholder Engagement survey and public consultations were carried out prior to the COVID-19 crisis.