Bernardine Quinn, Outcomers; Paul McGuill, Louth County Council; Lorna Costello, Outcomers; David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; and Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; at the contract signing for the delivery of the PEACEPLUS LGBTQIA+ Capacity Building Programme. Photography by Louth County Council.
Louth County Council has signed a contract with Outcomers to deliver a new two-year LGBTQIA+ capacity building programme across County Louth and the wider border region.
Funded through PEACEPLUS, the programme will work with 106 participants to build awareness, strengthen support networks, and help create more inclusive and culturally sensitive services
Commenting on the programme, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, said:
“By supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and organisations to build skills, confidence and connections, we are helping to create a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected.
“The benefits of this programme will extend beyond participants, helping to build stronger relationships, greater understanding and more connected communities across County Louth and the border area.”
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, added:
“This programme will help increase understanding, respect and appreciation of LGBTQIA+ communities while strengthening relationships across County Louth and the wider border region. It reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming county where diversity is valued and everyone can participate fully in community life.
“I would like to thank Outcomers, the PEACEPLUS Partnership Committee, the Local Community Development Committee, the Special EU Programmes Body and Council staff for their ongoing support. Together, we are investing in stronger communities, lasting peace and a more inclusive future for all.”
Outcomers is a LGBTQIA+ organisation that supports and advocates for LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and communities. Through community development, training, support services and awareness-raising initiatives, the organisation promotes equality, inclusion, and wellbeing across the region.
Bernardine Quinn of Outcomers, said:
“We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this important PEACEPLUS programme. The project will create opportunities for learning, engagement and connection across communities. By bringing people together through a cross-community and cross-border approach, we will help increase understanding of LGBTQIA+ experiences, raise awareness of available supports and contribute to more inclusive and welcoming services and communities. We look forward to working with participants over the next two years and building relationships that will have a lasting impact across the region.”
The County Louth PEACEPLUS Action Plan represents an investment of €4.68 million in projects designed to strengthen peace, celebrate diversity, and support community development. Over its lifetime, almost 4,700 people will take part in PEACEPLUS programmes and initiatives across the county.
