Contract Signed with Outcomers for PEACEPLUS LGBTQIA+ Capacity Building Programme
Louth County Council has signed a contract with Outcomers to deliver the PEACEPLUS LGBTQIA+ Capacity Building Programme. Funded through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the project forms part of the County Louth PEACEPLUS Action Plan.
The programme aims to increase understanding and respect for LGBTQIA+ communities, raise awareness of available supports and services, and promote more inclusive and culturally sensitive services. Led by Outcomers, the programme will engage 106 participants from County Louth and the wider border region over the next two years. Through learning, networking, and capacity-building activities, participants will develop skills, confidence and connections, helping to create stronger and more inclusive communities.
Commenting on the programme, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, said:
"By supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and organisations to build skills, confidence and connections, we are helping to create a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected.
"The benefits of this programme will extend beyond participants, helping to build stronger relationships, greater understanding and more connected communities across County Louth and the border area."
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, added:
“This programme will help increase understanding, respect and appreciation of LGBTQIA+ communities while strengthening relationships across County Louth and the wider border region. It reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming county where diversity is valued and everyone can participate fully in community life.
“I would like to thank Outcomers, the PEACEPLUS Partnership Committee, the Local Community Development Committee, the Special EU Programmes Body and Council staff for their ongoing support. Together, we are investing in stronger communities, lasting peace and a more inclusive future for all.”
Outcomers is a LGBTQIA+ organisation that supports and advocates for LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and communities. Through community development, training, support services and awareness-raising initiatives, the organisation promotes equality, inclusion, and wellbeing across the region.
Bernardine Quinn of Outcomers, said:
"We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this important PEACEPLUS programme. The project will create opportunities for learning, engagement and connection across communities. By bringing people together through a cross-community and cross-border approach, we will help increase understanding of LGBTQIA+ experiences, raise awareness of available supports and contribute to more inclusive and welcoming services and communities. We look forward to working with participants over the next two years and building relationships that will have a lasting impact across the 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 designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion. It is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration; and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). SEUPB is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
For more information see: www.seupb.eu/peaceplus