Peace II Measure 2.8

Priority 2 (Social Integration, Inclusion and Reconciliation)

Measure 8 (Accompanying Infrastructure and Equipment Support)

Main Objective

To ensure that the necessary infrastructure support is available to complement the actions included under Measure 2.2. This could include the upgrading or adaptation of premises or the purchase of equipment to meet the specific needs of target groups.

Activities

The development or improvement of community early years facilities, including nursery schools, playgroup and family resource centre premises;
Premises and equipment for IT based learning projects;
Adaptation of existing facilities to improve access for people with disabilities;
Provision of neighbourhood or area facilities; and
Purchase of essential equipment.

Project Selection Criteria

In addition to the generic selection criteria in Chapter 5, of the Programme Complement:

Projects that focus on a single identity community should demonstrate how the project contributes to peace building and reconciliation and how it will ultimately contribute to improving cross-community relations.
Applicants will also have to explain if and to what extent cross-community elements are part or will form an outcome of the project.
Projects should demonstrate that they complement other types of actions that are promoted under Priority 2.

Targeted Groups, Areas & Sectors

European Social Fund (ESF) funded projects within the framework of areas, groups and sectors most affected by the conflict (as defined in Chapter 3 of the Programme document). In Northern Ireland it will apply especially in New Targeting Social Need (TSN) areas in the Border Region to the National Anti-Poverty Strategy.

The measure will be funded, in Northern Ireland, from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant of €5.52m with €1.84m match funding from central government. A total of €8.69m will be available to projects approved for funding under measure 2.8 and meeting the required criteria.

This measure will be funded, in the border counties of Southern Ireland, from ERDF grant of €1.0m with €0.333m match funding from central government

Outputs have been set as follows:

50 access projects supported in Northern Ireland
Facilities established, improved or adapted
30 target groups facilities supported
30 joint multiagency-projects supported
15 ICT projects supported
35 projects supported in the border region
10 facilities created/improved

The measure will be administered by the Youth Education Social Inclusion Partnership