Cross-border project granted over €8 million to support disabled people

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Over €8.5 million has been granted to a cross-border initiative to help disabled people become more actively engaged in society.

PeacePlus funding of €8,661,034 has been announced for Onside Evolution, a new project designed to tackle social and digital exclusion among disabled people and carers across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

PeacePlus is a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The project will aim to help disabled people across the region to live more connected and independent lives by expanding digital access, strengthening active citizenship and supporting carers.

The project will run from January 2026 to June 2029, delivering care to 5,800 people.

Measures include a digital inclusion training programme, an Active Citizenship course and access to technology to enhance social connectedness.

There will also be a focus on carers, with 2,000 carers receiving training to better support disabled people to live independently and participate actively in society.

Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he values “the ongoing collaboration with our Irish counterparts” and looks forward to “following the positive difference this project makes to our citizens in both jurisdictions”.

“By scaling support for people living with disability and their carers across the island, this project aims to advance digital inclusion for participants through training and skills development,” he said.

“In line with my Department’s HSC Digital Strategy 2022-2030, it further seeks to reduce digital inequalities and provide better support for people living with disability to live independently, experience better community connection and benefit from networks.”

Irish Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the initiative “will equip disabled people with the tools needed to participate fully in public, social and digital life”.

“It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together for equality and inclusion,” she said.

SEUPB is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

Gina McIntyre, SEUPB chief executive, said the project “will help disabled people in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to live more connected, independent, and fulfilling lives”.

“This initiative demonstrates the transformative potential of the PeacePlus Programme in addressing shared challenges, improving wellbeing, and building a more inclusive and cohesive society across the island of Ireland,” she said.