The Impact of COVID: Through Stakeholder Eyes - SEUPB
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The Impact of COVID:
Through Stakeholder Eyes
European Union
European Regional Development Fund
Investing in a Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Future
Contents
The Special EU Programmes Body is
a North/South Implementation Body
sponsored by the Department of Finance
in Northern Ireland and the Department of
PROJECT NEWS Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland.
Page 4 Not Just Bricks and Mortar with New €5.8m Belfast Shared The Body was established on 2 December
Space Project 1999, under the Agreement between the
Government of the United Kingdom of
Page 5 INTERREG VA Project Deploys ‘Europe’s Largest Fish Counter’
Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the
Page 6 Over One Thousand Women Avail of Innovative Training thanks to Government of Ireland (8 March 1999),
Cross-Border Project which created the implementing bodies.
FEATURE ARTICLE The Special EU Programmes Body’s
principal function is to provide the
Pages 7 & 8 The Impact of COVID: Through Stakeholder Eyes Managing Authority and Joint Secretariat
functions for the PEACE IV and INTERREG
NEWS & INFO VA Territorial Co-operation Programmes
Page 9 PhD Student Celebrates Prestigious Award Win (2014-2020). It also has a signposting
and supporting role for projects wanting
Page 10 Derry-Londonderry at the Heart of New Book Penned by PEACE
to engage with the INTERREG VB
IV Project Manager Transnational and INTERREG VC
Page 11 Ireland’s First Online Mental Health Recovery College Inter-regional Programmes.
PROJECT NEWS Your EU! ISSN:1750-6700 Published by
Page 12 €35m Environment Project Marks Halfway Stage with Completion the Special EU Programmes Body
www.seupb.eu
of NI Sites
Page 13 Virtual Launch Event for New, Iconic €8m Waterside Shared
To submit ideas, stories and
Village Project
photographs for the next issue, please
Page 14 Managing Anxiety with Innovative Technologies
e-mail communications@seupb.eu
To be added to the database to
receive future editions please contact
communications@seupb.eu
Editorial and Production Management:
John McCandless
Copy Writing: Cathy McGarry
Design: Page Setup Design
Follow the SEUPB on:
https://www.seupb.eu
Welcome to the summer edition of Your EU!
It is wonderful to bring this news receive the latest news on PEACE PLUS
to you in a much more positive please email us at peaceplus@seupb.eu
environment than when we last
shared our material at the start of Hopefully, as restrictions continue to
the year. ease, we will once again be able to meet
in person and hold physical events. I
I hope that everyone involved in the always enjoy getting out to projects
reopening of businesses, tourism and meeting project staff and the
and hospitality have managed this participants in person. Digital technology
successfully and that everyone is has allowed us all to maintain contact
enjoying the company of family and and hold events, however nothing will
friends. We owe such a debt to those replace being in a room with people who
who have dedicated their time and are sharing their heartfelt stories and
energy into making this a possibility, journeys and hearing how the project ups, with the objective of reducing
including all those on the frontline, in made a difference in their life. I sincerely the anxiety of patients suffering from
both research and healthcare settings, hope, that by the end of this year, we mental disorders.
as well as staff operating within can meet again at some physical closure
essential businesses to ensure that we events for the PEACE IV and INTERREG We continually strive to improve each
have been able to retain some sense of VA Programmes, but in the meantime, edition of this magazine, however
normality within our day-to-day lives. I will continue to join remotely to help I welcome any feedback that you
celebrate in our projects' achievements. may have, so please get in touch by
On 12 May, the statutory consultation emailing communications@seupb.eu.
for the PEACE PLUS Programme I am delighted to share some of the
closed and we are currently assessing positive stories of resilience from PEACE You can also recommend colleagues
survey responses. I would like to IV and INTERREG VA projects within this and friends to sign up to our mailing list
personally thank everyone who took edition, including a look at how various to ensure that, they too, receive copies.
the time to review the consultation stakeholders have been coping with Future editions will include all the latest
document, visit our website and send the COVID-19 pandemic, and just how news on the PEACE PLUS Programme,
us their submission. We received a much EU funded projects have meant to as well as continual updates from the
significant number of responses, with them during this time. (You will find this current programmes.
overwhelming positive endorsement of featured on pages 7 and 8).
the content of the new programme, its I hope you enjoy this edition and please
themes and investment areas. On page 14 we have included details do continue to stay safe
about an innovative, North-West Europe and well!
Please continue to visit our website funded Programme, which is helping
for further updates regarding both the to manage anxiety amongst patients Gina McIntyre
publication of the survey responses, suffering from neurodegenerative Chief Executive, SEUPB
as well as the final stages of the diseases (e.g. Alzheimer‘s disease) and/
programmes approval process. We also or post-traumatic stress disorder, known
have a special PEACE PLUS mailing as IT4Anxiety. This €3.77m project
list, to keep people updated on the aims to support the implementation
programme, so if you would like to of innovative solutions through start-
3
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD
Not Just Bricks and Mortar with New €5.8m
Belfast Shared Space Project
In April, construction work
commenced on the €5.8m, PEACE
IV funded, Newforge Shared Space
project, in South Belfast.
Located beside the River Lagan and
Newforge Lane in South Belfast, the
project will develop a 15-acre site,
helping to address the high level of Site groundworks for the Newforge Shared Space.
social segregation that has developed
as a result of the troubles/conflict. with our partners to develop this cannot, at the present moment, meet
iconic sports facility which will provide in person to celebrate the fact that
Managed by the Newforge Community a welcoming, shared space to all work can now safely start. However,
Development Trust (NCDT), the new members of our community.” there will be many more opportunities
facility will open its doors to many to do so, hopefully very soon, as this
communities lacking access to a safe, Also welcoming the works was Gina project works towards successful
shared location to meet people from a McIntyre, CEO of the SEUPB, who said: completion.”
different background. “As a direct result of our shared past
we still live in a physically segregated Match-funding for this project has
Due for completion in the autumn society, which does not contribute to been provided by the Department for
of 2022, it is hoped that the facility reducing division and mistrust. The Communities, Northern Ireland and the
will help to break down divisions and EU’s PEACE IV Programme is helping Department of Rural and Community
decrease social tension, as well as to change that by creating new shared Development, Ireland and an additional
transform the site through the provision spaces which are for everyone to use source of £1m from Sport NI.
of enhanced indoor and outdoor together. The Newforge Community
sporting facilities. Development Trust project is a great
example of this. Unfortunately we
It will be available to community groups,
youth groups, schools, churches, sports
clubs and local residents, on a cross-
community basis.
Welcoming the commencement of
works, NCDT Chair, Peter Sheridan,
said: “It is very exciting to see the
capital build of the project commence.
I am eager to see how our project
can help to build tolerance and
understanding through the programmes
established in this scheme. We, at the
Trust, are looking forward to seeing
Artists impression of the new development.
the building take shape, as we work
4
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD
INTERREG VA Project Deploys
‘Europe’s Largest Fish Counter
Scientists from the INTERREG VA such a significant achievement, made important in so many ways. It will
funded, SeaMonitor project have possible through the EU’s INTERREG unite and empower scientists from
been studying the seas around VA Programme and the efforts of all its Europe and abroad to tackle pressing
Ireland and Western Scotland partners in Northern Ireland, Ireland and management issues, provide global
with the deployment of ‘Europe’s Scotland working together collectively.” networking for scientists to efficiently
largest fish counter’, capturing use resources, and engage the
the movements and sounds of a “This is a much-needed step forward public in project outcomes. We are
series of species including: salmon, for the conservation of a number of pleased to provide technical support
basking sharks, skate, dolphins, vulnerable species within our shared and counsel, as well as tracking
whales and seals. oceans. It only serves to highlight infrastructure to SeaMonitor.”
the benefits that are created through
Listening stations, from Malin Head strong, mutually beneficial cross-border Match-funding for this project has
(Ireland’s most northerly point), to the partnerships in the management of been provided by the Department
island of Islay in Scotland, will record marine protected areas and species. for Agriculture, Environment and
transmissions from a variety of mobile Well done to all involved for advancing Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland and
marine species tagged by the project’s our understanding of our seas.” the Department of Housing, Local
scientists. The data collected, using Government and Heritage, Ireland.
acoustic telemetry, will be used to Outlining the importance of this
support the conservation of achievement Dr. Fred Whoriskey,
vulnerable species. Executive Director of the Ocean Tracking
Network, explained: "This project is
Led by the Lough’s Agency, the €4.7m
SeaMonitor project is supported
by eight leading marine research
institutions located in Northern Ireland,
Ireland, Scotland, the US and Canada,
and is utilising innovative marine
species tracking technology to better
understand and protect vulnerable
marine life in our oceans.
Speaking about the significance of
deploying the fish counter Sharon
McMahon, Lough’s Agency CEO,
said: “We are proud to be leading the
way, alongside expert colleagues, to
deliver such amazing marine research
infrastructure that will ultimately help
protect some of our most
important species.”
Also welcoming the announcement
was Gina McIntyre, CEO of the SEUPB,
who stated: “I am delighted to see
5
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD
Over One Thousand Women Avail of Innovative Training
thanks to Cross-Border Project
Over 1,100 women, from across ► 40 women undertook an ilm Offering her perspective of the
Northern Ireland and the border Level 3 Award in Leadership project’s impact was Gina McIntyre,
counties of Ireland, have availed and Management; CEO of the SEUPB, who stated: “One of
of an innovative online training ► The development and launch the unfortunate, but very real, legacies
programme delivered by the PEACE of a Mother’s Toolkit; of our past is that many citizens feel
IV funded, Peace and Conflict pushed to the margins and neglected
► Six cross-border symposiums.
Transformation Project (PACT). within our society. They can feel that
their voices are not heard and that
Reminiscing over the project’s three-
The project was designed to promote their opinions are not respected. The
year period, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney,
peace and reconciliation for women PACT project has helped to address
TWN’s Chairperson stated: “TWN were
by creating a forward-thinking online this by providing women with the
delighted to receive the funding for this
tool, which was developed by Queen's skills, understanding and confidence
project and whilst it had to be changed
University and lead partner, Training they need to promote meaningful
to suit the climate during the pandemic,
for Women Network (TWN). peace and reconciliation within their
the outputs and targets were met. Our
own communities. It has also created
partnership working has been really
Foyle Women's Information Network many opportunities for women to mix
good and I would like to thank FWIN,
and Intercomm were responsible for with, and learn from, someone from a
QUB and Intercomm for their dedication
the coordination of cross-community different background.”
and commitment. My final thoughts are
and cross-border training sessions
with the women who have participated.
of participants. Match-funding for the project has
I know from feedback received that
been provided by the Executive Office,
the learning provided has been very
This was the first PEACE project to use Northern Ireland and the Department
beneficial and will enable them to make
specific tailored training, coupled with of Rural and Community Development,
huge differences within their
cross-community and cross-border Ireland.
own communities.”
training venues.
Due to COVID-19, the face-to-face
training was quickly adapted into a full
online programme.
PACT participants undertook a number
of courses including:
► Psychometric questionnaires to
sign-post to further online training;
► Online training, both facilitated
and self-directed;
► Obtaining an ilm Digital Credential;
► 10 women undertook an ilm
Level 5 Certificate in Leadership John Mooney, PACT's Programme Manager, addresses the virtual audience at
the closure event.
and Management;
6
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD
The Impact of 2020 and early 2021 has undoubtedly been a
challenging time for everyone, from those on the
COVID: Through
front line providing essential services, to those
simply adapting to new restrictions and everyday
life. In this edition of Your EU we wanted to ask
Stakeholder Eyes some of our stakeholders just how they coped
and how EU funding was a part of that….
Futures Project
I felt like it was a great opportunity to meet people during
COVID-19. I was also unemployed and really feeling the effects
of boredom and lack of purpose. Through online activities I met
people from Dromore and Bangor – people I never, ever would have met
considering I’m from Newry. I’ve learnt so much about how to schedule
a group and have had plenty of fun and meaningful interaction through
online platforms. Keeping momentum up online is a skill!
Louis, Project Participant
Shaping Ourselves and Our Children Project, SOOC
Did you ever see the picture with the guy hugging his
computer and the caption reads ‘I love my computer -
it’s where my friends live!’ COVID-19 has taught
me I’m not that guy. Being with family, friends and colleagues is so
important. Social and emotional connections are what matters most in
life. However, online is where most of us have lived this past year. By
adapting SOOC for online delivery we could reach parents, providing a
space for them to talk about hopes, fears and the future. Our webinar
series on ‘Life, Family, Fun and Living through a Pandemic’ helped so
many families through this difficult time… #Rollonsummer!
Mary, Project Coordinator
Need to Talk Project
The Living Well With Sight Loss course came at a really good time.
In November, I lost most of my sight following a stroke due to injuries
from a car collision. My sight loss and lockdown left me feeling very
isolated. It was daunting going on that first group call, but definitely worth it!
Its been great to be able to talk everything over.
Julieanne, Project Beneficiary
7
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD
The Impact of 2020 and early 2021 has undoubtedly been a
challenging time for everyone, from those on the
COVID: Through
front line providing essential services, to those
simply adapting to new restrictions and everyday
life. In this edition of Your EU we wanted to ask
Stakeholder Eyes some of our stakeholders just how they coped
and how EU funding was a part of that….
BREATH Project
As a Syrian student living in Ireland I couldn’t travel home to
see my friends and family! During the first lockdown the lab
was initially closed for a few months, but thankfully when
restrictions eased it re-opened and I’m currently working a three-day shift
rotation, accumulating plenty of data showcasing the importance of M2
receptors in murine airways. Being part of BREATH has certainly provided
me with a better understanding of airway physiology and pathology, but
under the COVID-19 climate, it became a much-needed opportunity to
focus my time and energy instead of feeling alone. The world of virtual
seminars and workshops was also a very welcome opportunity to learn.
Tuleen, PhD Student
Inishowen Development Partnership
Reflecting on the past year, health and well-being has been
a priority. COVID-19 has impacted on the team, our partners
across programmes, projects and communities across
Inishowen. An agile move to fully remote in March 2020 led to me
undertaking the first accredited programme in Remote Leadership.
This helped navigate the journey with weekly check-ins from a
resilient team of colleagues. Since then, we have had over 850 zoom
calls from supporting digital novices to international conferences.
We have delivered programmes across the ages, recorded an
intergenerational choir singing, published a book, launched a new
social enterprise, developed our strategic plan and rebranded IDP.
The future is bright for #PeoplePlaceProgress here in Inishowen!
Shauna, CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership
8
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD
PhD Student Celebrates Prestigious Award Win
Your EU featured the progress of Seán’s research aims to evaluate seven international conferences
the €5.8m, INTERREG VA funded, the current status of SSAD and to including, European Biomass
Renewable Engine project in implement relevant improvement Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE)
its last edition, and since then, strategies and technologies, which and the Energy Technology
it has celebrated another key will serve to guide researchers, Partnership Annual Conference.
achievement in the form of a policymakers and plant operators in
prestigious award win by one of its developing a sustainable indigenous His full publication list can be
young PhD researchers. bioenergy industry in Ireland. viewed HERE
Seán O’Connor, who is currently Seán has published six papers in high Match-funding for the Renewable
working with industry partner Organic impact journals such as Renewable Engine project has been provided
Power as part of his studentship, and Sustainable Energy Reviews, by the Department for the
received the Environmental Science Journal of Energies, Journal of Economy, Northern Ireland and the
Association of Ireland (ESAI) Environments, and Springer Nature. Department of Enterprise, Trade
‘Postgraduate Researcher of the Year’ and Employment, Ireland.
award 2020. His research findings have been
disseminated at four national and
The 'ESAI Postgraduate Researcher of
the Year Award' welcomes applications
from students doing either a PhD or
a Masters degree by research in an
environmental topic and has been
running since 2013.
As part of his win, Seán will deliver
a guest lecture at the ESAI Environ
conference, which will be held digitally
from 16 – 18 June 2021.
Seán is in the final stage of his PhD
studies, which seeks to accelerate the
development of small-scale anaerobic
digestion (SSAD) in Ireland.
SSAD is a promising technology with
the capacity to transform organic
matter into biogas (a mixture, mainly
composed of carbon dioxide and
methane), making the technology
suitable for a variety of applications
in energy, agriculture and, potentially,
the emerging bio-products and bio- Seán was delighted with his win and with the opportunity to deliver a guest lecture at
the ESAI Environ conference.
processes sector.
9
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD
Derry-Londonderry at the Heart of New Book Penned by
PEACE IV Project Manager
A new novel places Derry- there are differences at times, people
Londonderry at the heart of a story also have common interests and a
reflecting on building peace and the desire to move forward. Locally, there
legacy of the Troubles/Conflict in is a lot of leadership in our community
the North West region. and voluntary sector which is
constructive in overcoming challenges.”
Written by Derry City and Strabane
District Council’s PEACE IV Project With a passion for peace building
Manager, Sue Divin, ‘Guard Your Heart’ efforts Sue wanted to combine this
tells the story of two 18-year-olds, Aidan with her other passion for writing. ‘Guard Your Heart’ tells the story of two
and Iona, who were born on the day Speaking about the development of, 18-year-olds, Aidan and Iona, who were
born on the day of the Good Friday
of the Good Friday peace deal. Both and inspiration behind the book, Sue peace deal.
teenagers had never lived a day during reflected: "My writing is separate to
the Troubles/Conflict and the book aims my day job, but one of the key things to ‘humanise the other’, stating: “Conflict
to depict the impact of the legacy of the I've learned in peace work is that dehumanises the ‘other’. Stories connect
Troubles and its complexities. empathy is a key tool. If people can us to the ‘other’. I write because fiction is
learn to empathise it goes a long way to a powerful tool for creating empathy, and
Sue has been working in peace and creating a foundation for peace. Writing empathy is a powerful tool for creating
reconciliation for more than 15 years. fiction is a different approach to peace peace. In life, I believe that hope happens
Originally training as a teacher, Sue building, but it has the capacity to reach because of risk takers. I see a lot of
went on to undertake an MA in Peace an entirely different audience not only community workers across our city and
and Conflict Studies at Magee College. within Northern Ireland, but also across district taking positive and creative risks
After seven years teaching history and Ireland, the UK and wider afield." for peace. In a different sense, ‘Guard
citizenship, she became Derry City and Your Heart’, was my way of doing that.”
Strabane District Council’s Community "I remember the feeling of pure joy
Relations Officer, before shifting to her when the Good Friday peace deal was Prior to going on sale at the beginning of
current role, managing the delivery of signed. The deal marked the end, to April, the book, published by Macmillan,
the council’s £6.7m, PEACE IV funded, a large extent, of violent conflict here. had already been shortlisted for the
Local Authority Action Plan (LAAP). It changed how conflict happened, Caledonia Novel Award 2019 and was
moving it from violent to non-violent / a joint winner of the Irish Writers Centre
Speaking about her post with the council guns to democracy. What it didn't do Novel Fair 2019.
Sue noted: "It’s been hard work, but overnight, was to build peace.”
very rewarding to engage with diverse Due to be published in 2022, Sue's next
communities from all identities. Whilst "For me, peace is about a lot of things, book, ‘Truth Be Told’, is another young
but it's not about everyone being the adult/crossover novel set in Northern
same, brushing the past under the Ireland in 2019, focusing on two 16-year-
carpet and polite avoidance of tough old girls from Derry and Armagh.
conversations. It's about understanding
and respecting diversity, listening and Match-funding for Derry City and
talking, changing unfair systems and Strabane District Council’s PEACE IV
Derry City and Strabane District
Council’s LAAP Project Manager,
engaging with the issues.” Local Authority Action Plan has been
Sue Divin, has successfully combined provided by the Executive Office, Northern
her two passions for writing and Sue went on to note that ultimately, Ireland and the Department of Rural and
peace-building.
what lies behind her writing is the quest Community Development, Ireland.
10
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARDIreland’s First Online Recovery
College Launched
As we continue on the path of the pandemic prompted the programmes, with 300 mental health
towards COVID-19 recovery, it is project to adapt its services with a practitioners from statutory, voluntary
vital that people have access to switch to free, online and interactive and community sectors trained
the tools and resources to support learning. As of March 2021, it in recovery orientated methods.
their mental health and well-being. has delivered a diverse range of Additionally, 500 staff from non-
That was the message from the courses in both jurisdictions to over mental health services will be trained
€7.6m, INTERREG VA funded, 3,000 people, including those with in mental health awareness and
Innovation Recovery Project, when lived experience, carers and health compassionate care of those suffering
it recently announced the launch professionals. Innovation Recovery from mental health illness. The online
of its new online Recovery College. is one of CAWT’s (Cooperation and Recovery College is the next important
Working Together) suite of cross step in this vital process.”
The first of its kind across the island border INTERREG VA funded projects
of Ireland, the online platform will currently being delivered. Reflecting on the importance of the
complement existing Zoom sessions project, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the
and face-to-face courses currently Commenting on the launch of the SEUPB, said: “Health and social
delivered through the Innovation platform, John Meehan, HSE Assistant care services, on both sides of the
Recovery Project, bringing digital National Director, Mental Health border, face many challenges. The
mental health services to a wider Strategy and Planning (and Chair EU INTERREG VA Programme is
audience living within Northern Ireland of the Innovation Recovery Project) helping to overcome these issues
and the border counties of Ireland. said: “The CAWT Partnership has by funding greater levels of cross
a long history in supporting cross- border collaboration, as well as the
Available on multiple devices, it will border collaboration across a range development of new and highly
adopt a modern, flexible learning of areas in mental health including innovative e-health solutions. This new
experience and provide a range of Eating Disorders, Training in CBT, online platform is a fantastic example
support, training and practical tools to Mental Health First Aid, and initiating of this.”
promote hope, optimism and recovery. the NI Self Harm Registry. Thanks to
It will enable remote online learning the EU INTERREG VA investment, the Match-funding for this project has
for those who do not traditionally Innovation Recovery project estimates been provided by the Departments of
engage due to either personal that 8,000 people will participate in Health, North and South.
reasons, related to their illness, or mental health recovery education
geographical inaccessibility, such as
those living in rural communities.
You can register for an account for the
online recovery college HERE
The Innovation Recovery Project is
currently delivering mental health
recovery education across 12
counties in Northern Ireland and the
border counties of Ireland, delivering
a wide range of free, local educational
courses which promote mental health A digital launch event helped to provide some context around the new online
Recovery College, including its aims and functions.
well-being and recovery. The outbreak
11
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARD€35m Environment Project Marks Halfway Stage with
Completion of NI Sites
The €35m, INTERREG VA funded,
Shared Waters Enhancement and
Loughs Legacy (SWELL) project
marked the halfway stage in
its delivery by celebrating the
completion of four of its eight
wastewater upgrades.
Led by NI Water, in partnership with
Irish Water, the Agri-Food & Biosciences
Institute (AFBI), Loughs Agency and Early construction works at the Lifford site.
East Border Region, the project is
improving water quality in Carlingford Station, Newry (located in the Carlingford These strategic Irish Water works,
Lough and Lough Foyle through Lough drainage basin), Strabane together with the NI Water upgrades,
enhanced wastewater treatment. Wastewater Treatment Works and will deliver cross-border water
Donemana Wastewater Treatment Works quality enhancements, which will
The four-year project involves the (located in the Lough Foyle drainage help contribute towards improving
construction of new wastewater basin). The work carried out at these water quality in Carlingford Lough
treatment works, as well as upgrades key NI Water sites involved extensive and Lough Foyle.
to sewerage networks at strategic upgrades of the existing wastewater
locations, on both sides of the border, assets to improve the quality of Underlining the importance of the
to address wastewater pollution. It will discharge to the respective waterways, project Gina McIntyre, CEO of the
culminate in the development of an which impact on the shared waters of SEUPB said: “Greater levels of cross-
innovative ecosystem legacy model. Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle.” border collaboration are essential
so that we can improve the water
Discussing this crucial stage in SWELL partners, Irish Water, broke quality of our shared waters and
the project’s development, Tomasz ground on their four projects in May meet the relevant standards under
Piadlo, Senior Project Manager 2021 with the commencement of works the Water Framework Directive.
at NI Water commented: “We are at Lifford, Co. Donegal. Construction SWELL is one of the highest value
delighted to successfully commission started at Killea Co. Donegal in mid-June projects to be funded under the
new wastewater infrastructure at; with Carrigans, Co. Donegal to follow in EU’s INTERREG VA Programme and
Warrenpoint Wastewater Treatment late June and works are scheduled to as such, represents a significant
Works, Newpoint Wastewater Pumping commence in Omeath, Co. Louth in July. long-term investment in our natural
water resources. Key infrastructure
is now in place, and despite current
restrictions, the project is delivering
upon its objectives.”
Match-funding for this project has
been provided by the Department
of Agriculture, Environment and
Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland and
the Department of Housing, Local
Aerial shot of the SWELL upgrade at the Donemana site. Government and Heritage, Ireland.
12
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARDVirtual Launch Event for New, Iconic €8m
Waterside Shared Village Project
In May, the €8m Waterside Shared
Village project drew together
community and political leaders to
celebrate its official launch during
a special virtual event.
The Waterside Shared Village will
create an iconic ‘transformative
shared space’ in the Derry-
Londonderry interface area between
Irish Street and Top of the Hill.
Led by Derry City and Strabane
District Council, the project will
include a state-of-the-art building and
sports complex. The €8m Waterside Shared Village will provide a new facility that will help build trust
and reconciliation between communities.
The new space will help build
trust and reconciliation between It's a perfect example of how "The EU, PEACE IV funded project will
communities by creating a safe community organisations can work help to positively transform the lives of
place for residents to engage in alongside Council, and funders, to many local residents, creating a vibrant
activities together. bring forward a proposal that will new community hub that can be used
transform this former school site into safely, by all.”
The centre will also include a hall that an iconic shared space for the entire
can be transformed into four meeting community to avail of and enjoy.” For further information on the Waterside
or training rooms, a community Shared Village CLICK HERE
kitchen, office space and a suite of Commenting on the significance of
sports changing rooms. the project, Gina McIntyre, CEO of Match-funding for this project has
the SEUPB, said: “As a result of our been provided by the Department for
The area around the community hub past history, many sections of our Communities, Northern Ireland and the
will comprise a 3G and grass pitch, a society still live highly segregated Department of Rural and Community
cricket training area and tennis courts. lives. They feel safer learning, working Development, Ireland.
and socialising only with people from
Work is expected to commence on a similar background. This can lead
site in the summer of 2021, with a to increased tensions, mistrust and
completion date of June 2022. prejudice and prevent communities
and individuals from moving forward."
Speaking after the launch, Chief
Executive of Derry City and Strabane
District Council, John Kelpie, said:
“This is a major regeneration project
for the Council area and one which
will have a significant positive impact
on the communities in the Waterside.
13
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARDManaging Anxiety with
Innovative Technologies
A North-West Europe (NWE) The end goal is to co-create Western Isles (Scotland); Haute Ecole
Programme funded project is and implement 10 innovative de la Province de Namur (BE); NEW
helping to manage anxiety via the solutions, validated by mental asbl (BE); EPSM Lille Métropole
adoption of innovative technologies, health professionals and public (France); G.A.C. Group (FR); Vrije
helping improve mental health and organisations that will address the Universiteit Amsterdam (NL); Klinik
reducing anxiety amongst patients needs of around 3,000 patients für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
suffering from neurodegenerative facing anxiety disorders across the (DE); Agence pour la Coopération
diseases (e.g. Alzheimer‘s disease) NWE. Scientifique Afrique (LU) and
or post-traumatic stress disorder. Brainscan BV (NL).
The 15 start-ups involved in the
The €3.77m, IT4Anxiety project aims project are expected to contribute For more information on the project
to support the implementation of to the creation of around 50 new CLICK HERE or alternatively,
innovative solutions through start- jobs. In addition, almost a thousand follow the project on social media,
ups, with the objective of reducing mental health professionals will it4anxiety on Twitter and LinkedIn, or
the anxiety of patients suffering from benefit from the training systems subscribe to the mailing list HERE
mental disorders. that are due to be implemented.
Technological innovations give new Recently, the IT4Anxiety partnership
perspectives in many domains, completed their first hackathon,
including health. It was in this context the first of many planned in the
that the IT4Anxiety project was project. The second hackathon will
developed, bringing together mental take place in Germany. You can
health professionals and start-ups, as read more about this HERE . For
well as universities, research centres, a debrief of the hackathon click
higher education establishments and HERE
public authorities.
In Northern Ireland Prof Condell
Patients suffering from leads the Ulster University
neurodegenerative diseases are contribution with the project
prevalent across North-West European managed by Dr Muñoz Esquivel.
patients, largely due to ageing
population trends. Such innovative and The EU project is being led by CNP
technological solutions can effectively Saint-Martin (BE), with partners
complement conventional medical including: National Health Services
protocols. In what the project classifies
as ‘blended therapies’, a number of
work packages and activities in the
IT4Anxiety project are at the heart of
the approach being delivered.
14
BACK YOUREU! SUMMER 2021 FORWARDProgramme Summaries and SEUPB Contacts
PEACE IV INTERREG VA NTERREG VB Transnational towards cohesive, sustainable
The €270m PEACE Programme The €283m INTERREG Programmes and balanced territorial
2014-2020 is a unique Structural Programme 2014-2020 has been The SEUPB has a role supporting development of the Atlantic Area
Funds programme aimed at designed to address many of the the development of projects and its maritime heritage. The
reinforcing progress towards a developmental problems which submitted to any of the INTERREG programme region covers all of
peaceful and stable society in are exacerbated by the existence VB/VC Programmes. Ireland and Northern Ireland, and
Northern Ireland and the Border of borders, in order to build those regions within Portugal,
Region of Ireland. upon opportunities for enhanced These programmes are: Spain, France and the UK that
economic and social development border the Atlantic Ocean. The
The Programme’s key across the region. The Northern Periphery and SEUPB works in an advisory and
objectives are: Arctic (NPA) Programme signposting role.
- Shared Education The Programme’s key This €56million ERDF programme
- Children & Young People priorities are: aims to help peripheral and INTERREG EUROPE Programme
- Shared Spaces & Services - Research & Innovation remote communities in the The €359 million ERDF INTERREG
- Building Positive Relations - Environment northern regions of Europe to VC Inter-regional Programme
- Sustainable Transport develop their economic, social and is aimed at local and regional
The eligible area for the - Health environmental potential. authorities. It focuses on the
Programme is Northern Ireland The programme area involves identification, analysis and
and the border counties of Ireland The targeted eligible area is parts of Finland, Ireland, Sweden, dissemination of good practices
(counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Northern Ireland, the border Scotland, Northern Ireland in by public authorities in order
Louth, Monaghan and Sligo). counties of Ireland (Counties cooperation with the Faroe Islands, to improve the effectiveness of
Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Iceland, Greenland and Norway. regional and local policies.
For further information on the Monaghan, and Sligo) and SEUPB is the Regional Contact Co-operation projects are eligible
PEACE IV Programme contact: Western Scotland (Lochaber, Point for Northern Ireland. across all 28 EU states, plus
Joint Secretariat Omagh, Skye & Lochalsh, Arran & Norway and Switzerland.
Tel: +44 (0) 28 8225 5750 Cumbrae and Argyll & Bute, The North West Europe
E: omagh@seupb.eu or Belfast, Dumfries and Galloway, East Programme For further information on VB
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9026 6660 Ayrshire and North Ayrshire This €370 million ERDF and VC Programmes, contact:
E: info@seupb.eu mainland, and South Ayrshire). programme aims to help make Declan McGarrigle at the
this new region more competitive, SEUPB Belfast office:
For further information environmentally friendly and Tel: + 44 (0) 28 9026 6678
on the INTERREG VA cohesive by improving access to E: declan.mcgarrigle@seupb.eu
Programme contact: more and better jobs, enhancing
Joint Secretariat, the environmental qualities of the
Monaghan. region, improving accessibility and
Tel: + 353 (0)47 77003 ensuring that cities and rural areas
E: monaghan@seupb.eu or are attractive and sustainable.
The programme area is France,
Caroline Coleman, National the UK, Germany, the Netherlands,
Contact Point for Scotland, Ireland Luxembourg Belgium and
Scotland Switzerland. The SEUPB works in
Europa, 150 Broomielaw, an advisory and signposting role.
Atlantic Quay, Glasgow G2 8LU. The Atlantic Area Programme
Tel: +44 (0) 141 228 2202 The programme aims to achieve
E: Caroline.Coleman@ progress on transnational
scotent.co.uk I co-operation that is geared
Special EU Programmes Body Belfast Monaghan Omagh
info@seupb.eu 7th Floor, M:Tek II Building EU House
communications@seupb.eu The Clarence West Building Armagh Road 11 Kevlin Road
www.seupb.eu 2 Clarence Street West Monaghan Omagh BT78 1LB
Belfast BT2 7GP Ireland Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland T: +353 (0) 477 7003 T: +44 (0) 28 8225 5750
T: +44 (0) 28 9026 6660
15
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