Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has welcomed nearly £15 million in funding through the PEACEPLUS Programme, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The funding will focus on improving community relations in the city and support Belfast City Council’s Action Plan to foster a compassionate and inclusive Belfast.

PEACEPLUS is a European Union funding programme aimed at promoting peace and prosperity throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray said: "A key part of The Belfast Agenda is for our city to be one which is welcoming and compassionate. One that respects the diversity of our people. This PEACEPLUS funding will allow council to build upon that commitment, by allowing thousands of people to engage with others from a different background. In securing this funding, the council can use the money to encourage thriving and peaceful communities, and celebrate different cultures and diversity.

"Projects that are due to benefit from the funding include an LGBTQIA+ hub, Sanctuary Theatre, Distillery Street Redevelopment Project, Annadale Open Space, and Access to the Hills. These projects will make a real difference to our city and help make it as inclusive as possible.

"The co-design nature of the Action Plan means that the PEACEPLUS funding will be used to deliver engagement projects to areas of the city where the need is greatest."