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Contract Signed with Culture Connect CLG for Two PEACEPLUS Programmes

L-R: David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Susan Deery, PEACEPLUS Programme Manager, Louth County Council; Flora Okabi, Founder and Coordinator, Culture Connect CLG; Evelyne Bourton, witness; and Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, pictured at the contract signing for two PEACEPLUS programmes at the Civic Offices, Drogheda.

Louth County Council has signed a contract with Culture Connect CLG to deliver two PEACEPLUS-funded projects that will promote cultural awareness, support Traveller and minority ethnic communities, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement between people across County Louth and neighbouring border counties.

The projects are:

  • Multicultural/Intercultural Programme
  • Entrepreneurship/Social Entrepreneurship for the Traveller Community and Ethnic Minority Communities Project

Both initiatives are funded through PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and are being delivered under Thematic Strand 3: Celebrating Cultures and Diversity of the County Louth PEACEPLUS Action Plan.

Culture Connect CLG is an intercultural organisation dedicated to addressing the barriers faced by new communities and Irish society in living and working together. The organisation provides culturally appropriate services that support ethnic minority communities, promote intercultural awareness, and foster mutual understanding and inclusion.

Over the next 18 months, Culture Connect CLG will deliver a Multicultural/Intercultural Programme involving 150 participants. The programme will encourage engagement in multicultural activities and increase awareness, understanding, trust, and respect among people from different cultural traditions and backgrounds across County Louth.

Developed following consultation with multicultural representative groups, community organisations, and local residents, the programme aims to strengthen cross-community and cross-border relationships while creating opportunities for meaningful intercultural engagement.

The second initiative, the Entrepreneurship/Social Entrepreneurship for the Traveller Community and Ethnic Minority Communities Project, will be delivered over two years.

Designed to encourage participation in entrepreneurship and social enterprise among Traveller and minority ethnic communities, the project seeks to challenge perceptions, promote positive attitudinal change, and support participants in developing enterprise skills and opportunities. The programme will include training in social entrepreneurship, site visits, and mentoring support.

The project was also developed following consultation with multicultural representative groups, community organisations, and residents. It aims to build confidence, strengthen community connections, and support greater participation in social and economic development.

Speaking at the contract signing in the Civic Offices, Drogheda, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:

"These projects will strengthen cross-community and cross-border relationships, encourage greater understanding and respect for diversity, and contribute to more inclusive and connected communities. Through these initiatives, we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities while advancing the core PEACEPLUS goals of inclusion, reconciliation, and positive change. I wish Culture Connect CLG every success over the next two years as they deliver these important programmes and make a lasting contribution to communities across County Louth."

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:

"These initiatives build on the success of previous PEACEPLUS-funded programmes and will help increase understanding, respect, and appreciation of cultural diversity across County Louth. This work strongly aligns with the objectives of the Louth Local Economic and Community Plan and our Corporate Plan, reflecting our commitment to democracy, inclusion, equality, and a citizen-centred approach. Together, we are investing in lasting peace, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for all."

Flora Okabi, Founder and Coordinator of Culture Connect CLG, added:

"We are delighted to partner with Louth County Council in delivering these important PEACEPLUS programmes. Through meaningful intercultural engagement and targeted enterprise supports, we aim to empower individuals and groups, celebrate diversity, and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to contribute fully to community life. We look forward to working with participants across County Louth and helping to build stronger connections, greater understanding, and lasting positive change."

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 the lifetime of the Action Plan, almost 4,700 people will participate in PEACEPLUS programmes and initiatives across the county.