Digital Communities initiative aims to bridge rural digital divide

The Digital Communities project, a PEACEPLUS-funded pilot initiative designed to enhance digital capacity in rural communities across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, has been launched. The project aims to strengthen digital inclusion and economic resilience by building capacity at individual, organisational, and sectoral levels. 

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), Digital Communities is led by The Wheel, alongside partner organisations Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) Volunteer Now, Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI), Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA), The Bytes Project, Grow Remote, Enterprise Northern Ireland, and The Leslie Foundation. 

The Digital Communities project aims to assist people, organisations, and businesses to better understand information and communications technology and how they can use it to positively improve their lives and wider community. 

The initiative will particularly support youth work organisations, women’s groups, and community enterprise hubs by providing digital tools to enhance social services for disadvantaged groups and local economic development. 

The data gathered will be publicly shared to improve planning, inform future government policy, and support the sector. The pilot will operate across five remote rural areas (Causeway Coast, Mid-Ulster, Strabane/Lifford border, Newry, and the Glaslough/Caledon border) addressing digital exclusion and supporting social and economic development.

This project aims to develop tailored support for volunteers and individuals, community and voluntary organisations, local businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, and remote workers and potential remote workers through capacity building to develop digital skills, and improving access to and effective use of information and communications technology.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA said: “I welcome the launch of the Digital Communities project and its €3.7 million investment in building digital capacity across five pilot rural communities in Northern Ireland and the border areas.

“Digital exclusion can limit access to employment, services and wider opportunities. Through tailored support, this project will help individuals, community and voluntary organisations, and local businesses develop their digital skills and make better use of technology. 

“This practical and collaborative approach reflects the ambitions of PEACEPLUS. I am encouraged by the strong cross-border partnership behind the project and its potential to help build more connected, inclusive and resilient rural communities."

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.

Minister Calleary said: "I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped establish the Digital Communities programme. I am delighted that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will fund this outstanding project in partnership with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The successful completion of this project will have long-term advantages for the community.”

Minister Buttimer added: “By providing this vital funding, the Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area will progress social and economic growth in remote towns and villages. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen rural communities for long-term sustainability and enhance their quality of life. Its legacy will be the creation of more desirable areas across the programme area to live and work.” 

Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive  said: “This project will address practical barriers that can prevent people, community organisations and small businesses from fully participating in an increasingly digital world and leave lasting benefits within communities. “This cross-border approach also reflects the spirit of cooperation at the heart of PEACEPLUS, fostering shared learning, stronger connections and more inclusive opportunities for all.” Pat Watt, CEO of The Wheel, said: “Digitalisation is a unifying challenge and opportunity on both sides of the border, and our goal is to support communities to navigate the digital transition successfully so that no one is left behind. This investment by SEUPB, and the support from DRCDG and DAERA, reflects a shared commitment to placing communities at the heart of progress, and we look forward to working with them to turn that vision into reality."

Celine McStravick, NICVA Chief Executive, said: “We're delighted to be working with a set of committed partners on this project which represents an innovative and important cross-border initiative. It will improve access to digital skills development and capacity-building opportunities. Rural communities haven't had the same opportunities to benefit from technological advances as their urban peers which isn't fair. 

“This project won't just pave the way for future cross-border collaboration in this field, but it'll also help inform and influence policy across this island to make sure wherever someone lives they have the same chance to succeed.”

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The launch event took place at Willowbank Business Park in Larne, with remarks by Martin McKendry, Head of the Food, Farming, and Rural Affairs Group at DAERA, Gobhnait Swift (Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht), Paul Sheridan, Director of Corporate Services at the Special EU Programmes Body, and Pat Watt, CEO of The Wheel.