Almost 400 cross-Border projects are set to benefit from a £32 million sterling investment announced yesterday by Co-operation Ireland as part of the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme.
Among the main beneficiaries will be two meat companies North and South who are co-operating to tackle the effects of BSE, and the Dunfield Football Project, involving Dundalk Football Club and Linfield Football Club in Belfast.
TradeNet Ireland, a new internet-based business networking facility set up under the investment programme for small and medium enterprises, will also benefit.
Business projects will receive up to 50 per cent funding and cultural projects up to 90 per cent.
The head of office at the European Commission in Belfast, Mr Jim Dougal, congratulated Co-operation Ireland on its dedication to promoting peace and reconciliation.
"In any conflict, changes in attitude and changes in mindset are required to ensure a lasting peace. Co-operation Ireland are to be congratulated on all of these projects. I hope that they will continue to succeed in allowing people to work and live together.
"The European Commission is totally committed to the advancement of reconciliation and promotion of economic prosperity in Northern Ireland and the Border counties of Ireland. The projects are evidence of the success of the peace programme," Mr Dougal said.
The chief executive of Co-operation Ireland, Mr Tony Kennedy, described the EU programme as a "valuable contribution" to creating a more stable society.
"Co-operation Ireland has worked hard at grassroots level to deliver a programme which could include people from all communities. The successful projects are an indication of the practical co-operation happening, both in the business field and in community-based cultural projects," he added.