PEACEPLUS investment in digital and social innovation

This €4.9 million investment aims to drive digital and social innovation across the North West

A major €4.9 million PEACEPLUS investment has been approved to support digital innovation, sustainability and social inclusion across Derry~Londonderry, Strabane and Donegal through the Smart Villages Network Project (SVNP). 

The project brings together key regional partners, including Derry City and Strabane District Council, who are leading on the project, along with Donegal County Council, Ulster University, North West Regional College, ERNACT and 12 rural community facilities across Derry~Londonderry, Strabane and Donegal. 

In Derry~Londonderry and Strabane, SVNP will support six community centres to develop new digital hub facilities through minor capital works and comprehensive programme delivery. The participating centres include: Churchtown Community Association, Claudy Rural Development, Eglinton Community Limited, Glenelly Development Trust, Learmount Community Development Group and Newtownstewart Centre 2000. 

These new hubs will become focal points for digital access, training, enterprise support, and community engagement, helping local people to connect, learn, and innovate in a digital-first and green economy. 

Digital hubs 

All digital hubs will benefit from a comprehensive package of targeted investments to accelerate digital and green transformation, including: 

• the introduction of cutting-edge smart demonstration technologies - from Internet of Things (IoT) systems and 3D printers to 5G connectivity, energy monitoring solutions, and more - along with green retrofits to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability
• further supports encompassing tailored marketing campaigns, staff training, and the hosting of digital innovation events to engage local communities, schools, and enterprises
• bespoke business mentoring programmes, and community activation initiatives designed to build participation, creativity, and inclusive growth 

Running until 2029, the initiative will improve digital access, skills development and enterprise support, while strengthening cross-border collaboration and contributing to long-term economic resilience and social inclusion across the North West. 

Find out more about the PEACEPLUS Smart Villages Network Project. 

First published 16 February 2026