Debate contribution: PEACE PLUS Funding

Debate contribution by Mr Colm Gildernew on 13 April 2026.

MLA: Mr Colm Gildernew
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 13 April 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: PEACE PLUS Funding
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5484070

Text

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
I will start by thanking all Members who took part in the debate on what most of us can agree is a really important issue. As my party colleague set out, PEACE PLUS funding has been transformational for the North in bringing divided communities together, tackling economic disadvantage, developing skills for young people and providing money for projects around physical and mental health. Since 1994, more than £3·5 billion of PEACE PLUS money has been spent on communities here, creating thousands of jobs in the process and providing a vital boost to our economy. Programmes such as Peace IV and PEACE PLUS have delivered real and lasting changes to communities that have suffered greatly as a result of the conflict. So far today, we have heard many examples of projects that have been funded by Peace money. In my area, another powerful example is the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme, which supports vulnerable people to access vital services in the south Tyrone area. Another very positive example of PEACE PLUS funding is Cooperation and Working Together (CAWT), which has been crucial in strengthening cross-border healthcare along the border corridor. That has been instrumental in supporting the establishment of life-saving services, such as the North West Cancer Centre in Derry, and many other vital cross-border physical and mental health services. Those examples serve as a reminder of the huge benefits that the North enjoyed as a member of the European Union prior to Brexit. It cannot be overestimated or overstated just how vital it is to so many communities that EU Peace funding continue after the conclusion of PEACE PLUS in 2027. The removal of the funding next year would be absolutely catastrophic in its impact on vulnerable people. The timing of the debate today is very appropriate, given all the issues that the community and voluntary sector is facing with the local growth fund. The British Government promised that it would fully replace the lost EU funding, but, as we all know, it has failed miserably to live up to that. Since Brexit, Sinn Féin has been fighting hard in the European Parliament to have the PEACE PLUS programme extended beyond 2027, and the confirmation in principle that there will be additional funding beyond next year is hugely welcome. However, with the 2027 deadline fast approaching, we urgently need to see proposals for a replacement scheme being brought forward, and, crucially, we need confirmation of the quantum of funding that is likely to be provided. Many community organisations will be anxiously wondering whether their funding will still be in place beyond 2027. They deserve to have some clarity on what lies ahead. I urge everyone to vote for the motion.

456 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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