PEACEPLUS NEWSLETTER EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026 MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL Welcome to the second edition of the Monaghan PEACEPLUS Newsletter. This summer edition celebrates the launch of Theme 2: Thriving & Peaceful Communities and highlights the positive impact PEACEPLUS initiatives are having across Monaghan. We also share programme updates, partner achievements and opportunities for communities to get involved. Thank you to all our partners and participants whose commitment continues to make PEACEPLUS a success. Nicola Payne Chair Monaghan PEACEPLUS Partnership Board ✓ Appointment of New Chair and Vice-Chair ✓ PEACEPLUS Action Plan - Programme Updates ✓ Launch of Theme 2 – Thriving & Peaceful Communities ✓ In Focus – Theme 2, A 2.5: Intergenerational Programme - Priscilla Clements, CMETB “PEACEPLUS continues to strengthen communities and create opportunities for meaningful engagement across Monaghan” Inside this Edition
PEACEPLUS Programme Thematic Areas New Leadership Team SUMMER 2026EDITION 2 PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie NEW CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR APPOINTED The PEACEPLUS Partnership Board appointed Nicola Payne as Chair and Raymond Aughey as Vice Chair in July 2026. The new leadership team will support the continued delivery and development of the Monaghan PEACEPLUS Programme. Following many years of dedicated service to Monaghan County Council and the PEACEPLUS Partnership Board, Patricia Monahan retired in April 2026. We extend our sincere thanks for Patricia's valuable contribution and commitment over the years and wish Patricia every happiness in retirement.Nicola Payne - Chair Raymond Aughey - Vice Chair Thank You Patricia 👥 ❤
WELCOME PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026 MONAGHAN PEACEPLUS LOCAL ACTION PLAN Programme Updates Monaghan County Council's PEACEPLUS Action Plan is now fully underway, with strong community engagement across the county. The programme aims to connect over 4,500 participants through a range of cross-community activities. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved. THEME 1: LOCAL COMMUNITY REGENERATION & TRANSFORMATION Activity 1.1: Enhancement to existing Community Spaces and Halls Key Update 12 community spaces identified Design phase underway Accessibility improvements planned Construction expected Q4 2026 Activity 1.2: Capital Youth Programme Key Updates All 7 projects progressing Castleblayney & Carrickmacross at tender evaluation Youth consultations completed Construction starts August 2026 Youth Voice Spotlight Ballybay Teen Hangout Consultation Young people attended a consultation event in Ballybay Park in May 2026, helping shape plans for a dedicated Teen Hangout. Young people highlighted the need for: WiFi access Social seating Planting Safe recreational space Young people participating in the Ballybay Teen Hangout consultation event, May 2026.
Activity 1.4 Community Garden Draft design completed, community consultation will finalise design, with works expected to commence in quarter 2 2027.PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026Activity 1.3 Womens Hub Actively looking for a suitable premises in Monaghan Town - exploring possible options. THEME 2: THRIVING & PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES Activity 2.1: Peace Youth Project Project Partner: CMETB in partnership with Foróige Programme Objective: Empowering young people to build friendships and connections across communities Project Coordinators: Melanie McQuillan Email: luke.McFadden@foroige.ie Email: melanie.mcquillan@foroige.ie Examples of Programme Delivery: Various weekly activities such as Homework Clubs, Games & Recreation, Robotics Workshops, Creative Arts Programmes, Youth Leadership Activities, Community Events & Trips and Cross-Community Activities. Luke McFadden
Activity 2.2: Environment for All - Invest and Grow Project Partner: Global Action Plan (GAP) Programme Objective: Building stronger communities through environmental action. Project Coordinator: Email: adamryan@globalactionplan.ie Examples of Programme Delivery: 🌱 Community Gardens 🍄 Mushroom Cultivation Workshops ☀ Youth Summer Workshops 🏫 Environmental Education in Schools 🤝 Community & Business Engagement PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie Adam Ryan EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026
Activity 2.3: Community Health & well Being - Healthy Together PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie Project Coordinator: Jason Maguire Email:coordinator@peacelink.eu Project Partner: Peace Link Programme Objective: To improve physical health, mental wellbeing and social inclusion by providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, participate and build positive relationships through shared activities. Examples of Programme Delivery: Cross Border Health Initiative, Workshops on Masculinity, Domestic Abuse, Tai Chi sessions, Parent & toddler, Yoga sessions, Family Sports Day, Energy Healing EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026
Project Partner: Monaghan Integrated Development (MID) Programme Objective: Building stronger community organisations through leadership, skills development and capacity building. Activity 2.4: Capacity Building and Community Development Programme - Future Fit Project Coordinator: Email: liza.hackett@midl.ie Examples of Programme Delivery: Training available includes Governance and Committee Skills, Good Relations, Funding application training, social media, Diversity Awareness, Volunteer Management, and Idea Creation workshops, all designed to strengthen community organisations and build local capacity. PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie Liza Hackett EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026
Project Partner: CMETB Programme Objective: To strengthen connections, understanding and mutual respect between generations through shared learning, skills exchange and cultural engagement opportunities. Activity 2.5: Intergenerational programmes and activities Project Coordinator: Email:LindaMOReilly@cmetb.ie Examples of Programme Delivery: Digital Skills Training Arts and Crafts Workshops Traditional Skills Sharing Cooking and Baking Sessions PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie Linda O’Reilly Linda, has recently joined the team, replacing Priscilla Clements. To learn more about any of the programmes featured in this newsletter or to register your interest, contact the relevant Project Co-ordinator. We look forward to welcoming you. DIY Workshops Intercultural Events Ageism Awareness Campaigns
Common Threads PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026 Programme Objective: To strengthen community cohesion and foster positive relationships through cultural engagement, the celebration of diversity, and opportunities for dialogue, learning and shared experiences that promote mutual understanding and reconciliation. Project Coordinator: Examples of Programme Delivery: Mairéad McNally THEME 3: CELEBRATING CULTURES & DIVERSITY Email: mmcnally2@monaghancoco.ieMonaghan County Council's Library and Museum Service has recently appointed a Programme Co- ordinator and Administrative Support Officer to lead the delivery of Theme 3: Celebrating Cultures & Diversity. With an investment of €662,000, the programme aims to engage over 1,055 participants through a range of cultural, heritage and diversity-focused activities across County Monaghan. Activity 3.1: Exploring our heritage through Music, Dance and Language Celebrating cultural traditions through workshops, performances and shared learning experiences. Activity 3.2: Who do you think you are? Exploring genealogy, family history and cultural identity through research and storytelling activities. Activity 3.3 Multi-Cultural Events/Festival Programme Supporting events that celebrate cultural diversity and encourage cross-community participation and understanding Music and Dance Workshops Language and Cultural Exchange Activities Storytelling and Oral History Projects Genealogy and Family History Sessions Heritage Talks and Exhibitions Cultural Festivals and Community Events Intercultural Dialogue Workshops
PEACEPLUS Programme Thematic Areas A successful partner launch event was held at the Peace Campus on 20 March 2026, marking the official commencement of delivery under Theme 2: Thriving & Peaceful Communities. Delivery partners including CMETB, MID, GAP and Peace Link showcased planned activities and strengthened partnerships to support community cohesion, wellbeing and positive cross- community engagement across County Monaghan. SUMMER 2026EDITION 2 PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie LAUNCH OF THEME 2 - Thriving & Peaceful CommunitiesProgramme partners and representatives from Monaghan County Council, CMETB, Monaghan Integrated Development, Global Action Plan, Peace Link and the PEACEPLUS Partnership Board at the launch of Theme 2: Thriving & Peaceful Communities at the Peace Campus, Monaghan.
SUMMER 2026 PEACEPLUS Programme Thematic Areas EDITION 2 PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie IN FOCUS - Priscella Clements Former Coordinator of Theme 2, Activity 2.5 Intergenerational Programme This edition's spotlight features Priscilla Clements, former CMETB Partner Co-ordinator for Activity 2.5. Priscilla reflects on her journey, highlights from the role, and the impact of connecting younger and older people through intergenerational projects across Monaghan.QUICK FACTS 📅 Started: June 2025 🎓 Background: Education & Training ❤ Passion: Connecting generations 📍 Area: Monaghan & Cavan "Every generation has valuable knowledge, creativity and experience to share." Why did you join CMTEB? "The role combined my background in education with my passion for bringing generations together. It felt like an opportunity to make a real difference." What did your role involve? "I coordinated intergenerational projects across Monaghan, creating opportunities for schools, community groups and older people to connect and learn from one another." Best part of the job? "Seeing new relationships develop and watching participants grow in confidence and connection." What have you learned? "That learning works both ways. Younger and older generations have so much knowledge, creativity and experience to share." Editor's Note: Since this interview was completed, Priscilla has moved on from the programme. We thank Priscilla for her contribution and welcome Linda O'Reilly, who has now taken up the role.
SUMMER 2026 PEACEPLUS Programme Thematic Areas EDITION 2 PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie IN FOCUS - Theme 2, Activity 2.5 Intergenerational Programme A selection of photographs highlighting recent intergenerational activities and events delivered across County Monaghan through the PEACEPLUS Intergenerational Programme. Editor's Note: Since this interview was completed, Priscilla Clements has left the programme. We thank Priscilla for her dedication and contribution. Linda O'Reilly has since taken up the role and continues to drive this important work forward.
EDITION 2 SUMMER 2026 PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie PEACEPLUS is a Cross-Border funding Programme supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration CONTACT INFORMATION PEACEPLUS Monaghan County Council M-Tek II, Armagh Road, Monaghan H18 YH59 047 73720 PEACEPLUS@Monaghancoco.ie This project is su ppor ted by PEACE PLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programme B ody (SEUPB). Looking Ahead… Construction phase of Theme 1 projects begins Theme 2 activities continue countywide Launch of Theme 3 project delivery New opportunities for community participation Enhanced programme communications and updates