Launch of €8.4 million RESTART cross-border initiative to revitalise rural border communities

The €8.4 million Rural Economic & Social Transformation And Resilience Transition Together (RESTART) cross-border initiative has been launched.

The project is designed to revitalise the rural communities of Belturbet, Clones and Newtownbutler, areas that have experienced the long-term impacts of historical conflict, economic decline and social fragmentation.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), RESTART brings together a strong cross-border partnership including Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council, Erne East Community Partnership Ltd, Clones Family Resource Centre, and Clones Erne East Community Sports Facility.

The partnership shares a collective vision to enable these rural communities to thrive and reach their full economic, social and environmental potential. Together, the partners have designed a comprehensive programme aimed at delivering lasting benefits and transforming the social and economic landscape of the three border towns.

RESTART will address social inclusion, rural regeneration and community cohesion through a blend of capital investment and community-led programmes. Key activities include a capital investment project in each town, town centre regeneration programmes, training and mentoring to build capacity within community organisations, sports and wellbeing initiatives to foster relationship-building, programmes for young people, and activities exploring shared heritage and cultural connections.

Over the three-year programme, RESTART sets out to:

• Support 117 enterprises and 9 social enterprises
• Deliver three capital investment projects
• Engage more than 19,000 participants accessing new rural facilities, enterprises and community services

The launch event featured addresses from Sheila Walker, Deputy Director of Rural Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Assistant Secretary for Community Development, Department for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht; Paul Sheridan, Director of Corporate Services, SEUPB; Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Councillor Winston Bennett, Leas Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council; Councillor P.J. O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council; and Angela Graham, Manager of Clones Family Resource Centre.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA said:

“I am pleased that, in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, my Department is providing funding to the RESTART project. This important initiative seeks to strengthen relationships by showcasing the positive impact of working together to address the challenges within our communities.

“Through the redevelopment of three derelict or underutilised buildings into vibrant community hubs offering social, wellbeing and youth programmes, the RESTART project will deliver real and lasting benefits for the rural border communities of Newtownbutler, Clones and Belturbet – creating places where people can live, work and prosper.”

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 would like to thank everyone who contributed to the RESTART project. In partnership with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, I am happy that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this fantastic project. This undertaking will have long-term benefits for the area.”

Minister Buttimer added: 

“This substantial funding will make communal spaces and services more accessible in rural areas. Communities will be able to realise their full economic, social, and environmental potential thanks to the planned investment.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:

“The objective of RESTART is clear. It seeks to improve the quality of life for people living and working in Newtownbutler, Clones and Belturbet. It aims to address the social and economic inequalities that have affected these border communities for many years, and the three towns share common challenges and common opportunities.

“The project partners can develop solutions that benefit the wider region and strengthen relationships across the border. This reflects the core purpose of the PEACEPLUS Programme, which is to support cooperation, build trust and create conditions for long‑term stability and prosperity.”

Cllr Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said:

“On behalf of all the project partners, I am proud that this very significant PEACEPLUS investment is being made in this border region. 

“By supporting both capital projects and community programmes, we are investing in long-term resilience as well as delivering immediate impact. This balanced approach ensures growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven.

“I commend all partners for their enthusiasm and dedication in working collaboratively to secure this funding, I also look forward to seeing the project rolled out and making a real difference where it is needed most.”