Contract Signed for Community Restorative Justice Programme in Louth
Louth County Council has signed a contract with Community Restorative Justice Ireland (Newry/Armagh) to deliver the Introduction to Community Restorative Justice in Louth Programme.
Funded through PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the programme forms part of the County Louth PEACEPLUS Action Plan.
Over the next two years, 50 participants from County Louth and the Newry, Mourne and Down area will take part in training, discussion and shared learning activities focused on restorative justice and community engagement.
Restorative justice is an approach that focuses on repairing harm, encouraging accountability, and building understanding between people. By promoting dialogue and positive engagement, it helps to build trust, strengthen relationships and support more inclusive communities.
The programme was developed following consultation with ex-prisoner groups, families, victims and survivors, community organisations, and local residents. It aims to increase understanding, strengthen cross-community and cross-border relationships, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement between people from different backgrounds.
Participants will gain a greater understanding of restorative justice principles and practice, while building connections and networks that support inclusion, peacebuilding, and positive community development.
Commenting on the benefits of the programme, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, said:
"This programme will bring people together, create opportunities to learn from one another and help build stronger communities. It will encourage understanding, respect, and inclusion, while supporting positive relationships across County Louth and the wider border region. The benefits of this work will be felt not only by participants, but by communities across the county."
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, said:
"This programme is an important part of the delivery of the County Louth PEACEPLUS Action Plan. It reflects the aims of PEACEPLUS by promoting dialogue, inclusion, and collaboration. It also supports the goals of the Council's Corporate Plan and the Louth Local Economic and Community Plan by helping to create more connected, resilient and inclusive communities. Through programmes like this, we are investing in people, strengthening community relationships and supporting lasting peace and understanding."
Ewan Morgan, Senior Co-Ordinator with Community Restorative Justice Ireland added:
"We are proud to have been appointed to deliver the Introduction to Community Restorative Justice in Louth Programme. Through shared learning and dialogue, participants will gain a greater understanding of restorative justice and the role it can play in building trust, strengthening relationships, and supporting positive change. We look forward to working with participants over the next two years and helping to create lasting connections between communities across the border region."
The County Louth PEACEPLUS Action Plan represents an investment of €4.68 million in projects designed to strengthen peace, celebrate diversity, and support community development. Over its lifetime, almost 4,700 people will take part in PEACEPLUS programmes and initiatives across the county.
About PEACEPLUS
PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding programme that supports peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. It is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and builds on the work of previous PEACE programmes. It is supported by the European Union, the Government of Ireland, the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
The programme funds projects that strengthen community relationships, promote inclusion, support young people, improve wellbeing, and encourage partnership working across communities and borders.
For more information see: www.seupb.eu/peaceplus