Smart Towns and Villages PEACEPLUS programme

€17m funding is available to boost technology and social inclusion in rural areas

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) encourages eligible organisations to apply to the Smart Towns and Villages call under the PEACEPLUS programme.

€17m of funding is available to boost technology and social inclusion in rural areas across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

A Smart Town or Village is defined as a town, village or rural community where technology is used to help achieve important goals like economic growth, wellbeing, sustainability, social inclusion and cross-border relationships.

The aim is to use technology to boost economic and social development, especially in rural areas, to help create a more connected, sustainable, and environmentally friendly community.

The financial support is focused on improving access to telecommunications in rural areas of Northern Ireland and nearby counties in Ireland.

Who is eligible to apply

Many organisations are eligible to apply, including:

• voluntary sector organisations
• private sector – specifically micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies
• regional and local development agencies, chambers of commerce
• universities, colleges, higher education, research institutions
• national, regional and local authorities

Programme area

The programme area for the Smart Towns and Villages PEACEPLUS Programme is:

• Northern Ireland
• the border counties of Ireland - Counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo

Further information

You can contact the SEUPB with any queries regarding the Smart Towns and Villages PEACEPLUS programme by emailing jems@seupb.eu.

Check the eligibility criteria to apply for the Smart Towns and Villages PEACEPLUS programme.

First published 18 March 2025.