Northern Ireland is set to receive £1 billion in peace and prosperity funding announced today by the Taoiseach, EU Commissioner, and Northern Ireland Secretary in Belfast.
The funding program is designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The program reveals the partnership between the EU, the UK government, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Speaking at the event, Mr Sefcovic said the funding was a demonstration that the contributing governments were keeping to their words.
“I am pleased to be in Northern Ireland to mark the launch of PEACEPLUS, together with representatives of the governments of the UK and Ireland,” he said.
“The European Union’s support to this program is part of our strong commitment to peace in Northern Ireland, now and in the future.”
“Here in Northern Ireland, we have seen how peace, when it is not a given, becomes an overwhelming desire, a primary necessity. And how much we can achieve when we put our minds and hearts to it.”
“With an overall contribution of 1.1 billion euros, we are – collectively – clearly demonstrating that we are putting our money where our mouth is.
“The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement has provided a sustainable basis for peace in Northern Ireland for the past 25 years. It took great political courage from all sides to make it happen. We all have to protect it, and the gains it has brought about.”
