New community minibus launched in Derry as part of PeacePlus Funded Programme – Skeoge United

PICTURED ABOVE: The Mayor, Ruairi McHugh was on hand on Friday afternoon to hand over the keys to the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership's new Community Minibus as part of their PeacePlus Funded Programme – Skeoge United. Included in photo are Darren Kirby, GSAP, Fiona Lafferty, Derry City and Strabane District Council's Peace Plus Officer, Charlie McDaid, chair, GSAP, Nicola Mullan, Co-Ordinator, Skeoge Community Hub, Mollie McMonagle, Programme Officer, Skeoge United and Rory McParland, Manager, GSAP and some of the ladies who took the first official trip on the new minibus. 

On Friday morning, the Mayor, Ruairi McHugh officially handed over the keys to the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership (GSAP) new community minibus, as part of their ‘Skeoge United’ Project, a PEACEPLUS-funded project.

The project delivers a range of peace building and reconciliation programmes across the Skeoge area, building community cohesion locally but also connecting with other communities across the city as well as on a cross-border basis.

Skeoge United incorporates a range of cultural awareness programmes (dance, music and language), creative mindfulness programmes, good relations programmes, health and wellbeing programmes and family support initiatives.

The project is funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under the ‘Community Regeneration and Transformation’ theme. The PEACEPLUS Programme is an EU-funded programme designed to support peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border region. It is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for this element of the PEACEPLUS Programme has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in Ireland.

READ NEXT: ‘Skeoge United’ unveils new community minibus

This vital addition to local community transport resources will enhance accessibility, inclusion, and connectivity for all project participants. The new minibus will support a wide range of community initiatives, including youth engagement, older people’s services, cross-community programmes, and activities aimed at improving health and wellbeing. It is expected to play a key role in reducing isolation and increasing participation in local services and events.

Chairperson of GSAP, Charlie McDaid, welcomed the official handover, stating: ‘The new community minibus represents a significant investment in our people and our future. It will help remove barriers to participation and ensure that individuals and groups across the community can access opportunities, services, and social connections that are essential for building a more inclusive and cohesive society. We are delighted to deliver this resource as part of our PEACEPLUS Programme.’

Also speaking during Friday’s handover, Programme Officer, Mollie McMonagle, highlighted the practical impact of the initiative, adding ‘Transport is often a major challenge for many in our community, particularly for older residents, young people, and those living in more isolated areas. This minibus will allow us to expand our reach and deliver programmes more effectively, ensuring that no one is left behind. It’s a tangible example of how PEACEPLUS funding can make a real difference on the ground."

DC&SDC’s Programme Manager for PEACE, Sue Divin also welcomed Friday’s launch and said Council were delighted to play their part, adding ‘The PEACEPLUS Board was delighted to be able to fund this much-needed community resource through Council's Local Action Plan. It will help the community engage in cross-community and cross-border activity.’