Dundalk to take part in PEACEPLUS funded cross-border AR heritage project

Dundalk residents are set to take part in a groundbreaking heritage project thanks to a €94,930 funding award from the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Programme. The Layered Lands initiative, led by Antrim’s WheelWorks Regional Youth Arts Charity, will bring together people from Dundalk and Newry to co-create four immersive Augmented Reality experiences that celebrate local history, personal stories, and shared community connections.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has confirmed funding awards for 18 organisations nationally through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme, representing a further investment of over €1.17m in new cross‑community and cross‑border initiatives.

The Change Maker Funding Programme offers flexible grants of up to €100,000 to support local people‑to‑people projects that build relationships, strengthen connections and encourage meaningful cooperation.

Delivered by Pobal on behalf of SEUPB, and supported by Co-operation Ireland, Rural Action and East Border Region, the fund has been designed to be clear and accessible, with rolling applications open for this year until June 2026.

The successful projects announced today cover a wide spectrum of need and practice: youth leadership and non‑formal education; inclusive sport (basketball, sailing, judo and disability football); outdoor learning (including adapted provision for young people with additional needs); arts, heritage and language; intergenerational engagement; women’s workplace wellbeing; cancer‑support outreach; and neighbourhood projects such as community gardening. Collectively, these initiatives will bring together children and young people, families, volunteers, older people and migrant communities, strengthening everyday relationships across towns and rural areas on both sides of the border.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre welcomed the awards.

She said: “I want to congratulate all 18 organisations receiving support through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme. Each has brought forward strong, thoughtful proposals that place cross‑community and/or cross‑border engagement at their core. These projects reflect the commitment, creativity and leadership that exists across our region.

“I would also encourage other groups to explore this opportunity. These projects funded may inspire an idea. The Change Maker Funding Programme is designed to be straightforward, flexible and applicants are well supported. Our aim is to ensure grassroots organisations can access funding that helps build relationships, confidence and connection where it is needed most.”

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Groups interested in applying for Change Maker funding can find full guidance and submit applications at: www.seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-maker-funding-programme

Delivery and support partners offer one‑to‑one advice, workshops and tailored support throughout the application process.
Match-funding for Change Makers is provided by the Department for Communities and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.