A new €6.3 million Peaceplus-funded initiative has been launched to support long-term healing, regeneration, and community-building between the rural communities of Creeslough in County Donegal and Greysteel in County Derry. The project aims to strengthen cross-border relationships through shared spaces, wellbeing programmes, and community-led development.
The funding will support major infrastructure and engagement activities across both locations. In Greysteel, a large 50,000 sq ft air dome facility will be constructed at the Vale Centre to host sports, cultural, recreational, and tourism-related events designed to encourage shared use by both communities. In Creeslough, a community shed will be redeveloped into a multi-purpose space supporting local activities and tourism development.
The initiative is also designed to promote social inclusion and mental wellbeing through structured engagement programmes. More than 3,000 participants from both villages are expected to take part in activities focused on health, sport, wellbeing, and cross-community interaction.
The project, known as GROWTH (Growing Resilience, Opportunities & Wellbeing Through Healing), is being led by Greysteel Community Enterprises in partnership with the Creeslough Community Association. It will also be supported by Developing Health Communities, which will help design trauma-informed programmes tailored to the needs of both areas.
Funding allocations include approximately €5 million for Greysteel Community Enterprises, nearly €1 million for Creeslough Community Association, and around €310,000 for programme development and support services. Officials say the investment reflects a long-term commitment to rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation in communities affected by past tragedies.
Local representatives have described the initiative as a significant step toward recognition and healing for both communities, which have each experienced deeply traumatic events in their recent histories. In Creeslough, ten people lost their lives in a 2022 explosion, while Greysteel was the site of a 1993 attack that killed eight civilians.
Peaceplus, the funding programme behind the initiative, is jointly managed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Irish Government through the Special EU Programmes Body. It focuses on peacebuilding, social inclusion, and rural regeneration across border regions.
Community leaders involved in the project say it will create meaningful opportunities for shared experiences, strengthen relationships between the two villages, and support long-term wellbeing through collaborative development and inclusive public spaces.
