A new cross-border peace initiative will bring together rural communities impacted by tragedy in Creeslough and Greysteel.
More than €6.28 million in Peaceplus funding has been awarded to the project, which will see the installation of a 50,000 sq ft air dome facility at Greeysteel, Co Derry, and the redevelopment of a “community shed” in Creeslough, Co Donegal.
Matthew Byrne, from the Creeslough Community Association, said the award “further recognises the trauma” that both communities continue to experience.
10 people were killed in an explosion at a service station in the village of Creeslough on October 7th 2022.
In the village of Greysteel, eight civilians, both Catholics and Protestants, died when the Rising Sun bar in the Co Derry village was attacked on October 30 1993.
Seven were killed on the night, while the eighth victim died several months later from their injuries.
One of the UDA/UFF gunmen involved shouted “trick or treat” before pulling the trigger.
Peaceplus is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the UK and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland Executive.
The funding has been awarded to the Growth (Growing Resilience, Opportunities & Wellbeing, Through Healing) project, a cross-border initiative designed to support rural regeneration, social inclusion and community wellbeing in the two villages.
The funding of €6,281,679.68 will support community-led regeneration and shared activity in the rural communities.
It will focus on building cross‑community and cross‑border relationships between Greysteel and Creeslough.
This investment will allow us to develop facilities and programmes that support wellbeing and bring people together in meaningful ways
Plans include the installation of a 50,000 sq ft air dome facility at the Vale Centre in Greysteel which will be used for shared health, recreational, arts, cultural and tourism activities
It will also see the redevelopment of a community shed in Creeslough for community use and tourism-related activity.
There will also be a programme of engagement involving 3,230 participants from the two villages, focused on health and wellbeing, sport and physical activity and tourism promotion.
The project will be led by Greysteel Community Enterprises Ltd, working in partnership with Creeslough Community Association.
Non-profit organisation Developing Health Communities (DHC) will assist both communities in developing programmes grounded in trauma-informed practice.
The budget will see 4,985,527.90 allocated to Greysteel Community Enterprises Ltd, €986,426.52 to Creeslough Community Association, and €309,725.26 to DHC.
Columba Mailey from The Vale Centre said the funding would be a “game-changer” for communities.
He said: “This investment will allow us to develop facilities and programmes that support wellbeing and bring people together in meaningful ways.
“Our partnerships with Creeslough and DHC are central to this, and we look forward to what we can achieve together.”
Byrne added: “This Peaceplus funding further recognises the trauma that the communities of both Creeslough and Greysteel are going through.
“It will help to strengthen relationships as both communities share experiences and help each other.
“The Greysteel community have already been so helpful and we look forward to working further together to implement more supports and initiatives.”
Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said it was an “important rural project”.
He said: “I am pleased that my department is working in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and SEUPB to support this important investment.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, also welcomed the project.
He said: “This undertaking will deliver long-term benefits to the area.”
Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer said: “This substantial funding will make communal spaces and services more accessible in rural areas.”
SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said: “By investing in shared spaces, community-led initiatives and wellbeing-focused programmes, this project will help create lasting positive change and reinforce the vital role that collaboration plays in shaping vibrant and inclusive rural communities.”
Edel O’Doherty, from DHC, said: “As part of the project, DHC will work closely with local communities to design and deliver a broad programme of health and wellbeing initiatives, including mental health awareness and trauma-informed training.”
She added: “Through this partnership, DHC will help create safe, supportive spaces where individuals and communities can build resilience, strengthen connections and improve overall wellbeing.
“The organisation’s involvement reflects its long-standing commitment to empowering people with the knowledge, skills and support needed to live healthier, happier lives, and to thrive within the communities they call home.”
