The Resilient Neighbours Project, a major cross-border initiative aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness, response, and community resilience, was officially launched on 17 April 2026. The project is funded with €2.3 million through the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and is being delivered in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Monaghan County Council, The Executive Office, and the Office of Emergency Planning.
The initiative will bring together emergency services, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and communities across the border region to improve coordination and cooperation during major incidents. These include emergencies linked to severe weather, cyber threats, infrastructure failures, industrial risks, and public health crises. The goal is to ensure more seamless joint responses before, during, and after emergencies.
Government representatives from both sides of the border highlighted the importance of the project in addressing differences in emergency planning systems and improving cross-border collaboration. They emphasized that stronger cooperation will help ensure faster, more effective responses and greater protection for communities, while also building long-term resilience beyond the life of the project.
SEUPB described the initiative as a timely response to the need for improved coordination in emergency planning, noting that it will help reduce risks and strengthen preparedness across agencies and communities. Local council leaders also welcomed the programme, highlighting its role in empowering communities through training, tools, and shared learning opportunities.
Over the next three years, the project will assess existing emergency management systems, develop training and learning programmes for more than 20 organisations, and provide tailored resources to enhance cross-border cooperation. It will also focus on building stronger community engagement to ensure that local populations are better prepared to respond to future emergencies.
