GROWTH Project officially launched at the Vale Centre

The GROWTH Project, a €6.28 million cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), was officially launched at the Vale Centre in Greysteel on Friday November 6.

PEACEPLUS 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 Executive.

The project, whose name is an acronym for Growing Resilience, Opportunities & Wellbeing, Through Healing, will bring a 50,000 square foot Air Dome facility to the Vale Centre and a redeveloped Community events space to Creeslough, County Donegal, while a combined programme of health, wellbeing, sport and tourism activity aims to reach 3,230 participants across both communities.

Led by Greysteel Community Enterprises Ltd in partnership with Creeslough Community Association and Developing Healthy Communities (DHC) in Derry, GROWTH is one of the largest single awards made under PEACEPLUS Investment Area 4.2, which supports rural regeneration and social inclusion.

Both the Greysteel and Creeslough communities have carried the weight of tragedy in recent years. GROWTH was shaped with that shared experience at its centre, to fund relationships and recovery in the wake of trauma.

The launch on November 6 marked the official start of the GROWTH Project, with work on both the Air Dome and the Creeslough Community Event space due to progress in the months that follow, while the health and wellbeing programmes are scheduled to begin in earnest around the turn of the year.

At the launch, project partners and invited representatives from North and South of the border were given an insight into what the Growth Project will deliver over the next two and a half years, a tour of the current Vale Centre facilities and heard the thoughts of those who played a role in securing the project funding.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA said: “I am delighted to support the launch of the GROWTH Project, which is about investing in people as much as places. Through a strong cross-border partnership involving the communities of Greysteel and Creeslough, the project will provide shared facilities and programmes that create new opportunities to bring people together and take part in community life.

This significant PEACEPLUS investment will help strengthen community resilience and support long-term recovery. I look forward to seeing the positive difference it makes for people in Greysteel, Creeslough and the wider region.”

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement. 

Minister Calleary said: "I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helped with the GROWTH initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this wonderful project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The region will gain in the long run from this project.”

Minister Buttimer added: "This substantial funding will foster a more unified society by enhancing the availability of shared spaces and services in rural regions. This project focuses on strengthening cross-community and cross-border relationships between these bonded communities. It will contribute to the healing process, build healthier, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable community connections.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “The GROWTH Project, supported by a €6.28 million PEACEPLUS investment, is about building lasting relationships, fostering inclusion and creating a space where two rural communities can build a shared future. By bringing people together, this project will help create positive change. Projects like GROWTH are essential to the peacebuilding process, turning the challenges faced by different communities into shared solutions. With collaboration at their centre, they help build a more connected society for future generations.” Those who have been entrusted to deliver the project said they are now looking forward to getting up and running.

“The launch was about opening the door and letting people see what GROWTH actually means for Greysteel and Creeslough,” said Columba Mailey, Growth Programme Manager at the Vale Centre.

“This isn’t just about buildings or a grant, it’s about two communities coming together and starting the next chapter. We’re grateful to everyone who came along to hear what’s planned, and we’d encourage anyone who couldn’t join us to get involved from here on out.”

Majella McFadden, Community Links Manager at the Creeslough Community Association added: “I’m delighted to see the GROWTH Project officially launched and look forward to working with the teams at The Vale Centre in Greysteel and the DHC, learning from their experiences and sharing ideas.

“We’re putting down strong roots as we prepare to work with the people and communities at the heart of the project, to ensure their voices shape our programmes and improve lives.”

She concluded: “This project is about working together towards a common goal to make a real and lasting difference and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Edel O’Doherty, CEO of Developing Healthy Communities said: “Through this exciting PEACEPLUS partnership, DHC is proud to play a key role in bringing communities in Greysteel and Creeslough together, strengthening connections, building resilience and improving wellbeing.

“By working alongside local people, we will create safe, supportive spaces and deliver meaningful health and wellbeing initiatives that empower individuals and help communities thrive.”