Dundalk IT led PEACEPLUS project officially launched

Image Caption L to R: Erin McGreehan T.D., Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education; Geraldine McKenna, SEUPB Programme Manager; Professor Fergal McCaffrey, Head of School of Informatics & Creative Arts, Dundalk Institute of Technology; Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan, President, Dundalk Institute of Technology; Martina Rooney, Director, Monaghan Institute; Louise Clarke, Deputy Director, Cavan Institute; Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Regional College and Richard Kirk, CEO and Founder of Workplus.

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has officially launched the Southeast Higher Education/Further Education/Industry Cross-Border Alliance (SECBA) project, a collaboration between higher education, further education and industry. The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It will encompass the south-east region of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, running until October 2028.

The project was officially launched at an event in DkIT which included speakers Richard Kirk, of Workplus; Deputy Erin McGreehan T.D.; SEUPB Programme Manager Geraldine McKenna and Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, DkIT President. Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, also delivered a video address to attendees. 

The launch event included a panel discussion featuring Professor Fergal McCaffrey, Head of School of Informatics & Creative Arts, Dundalk Institute of Technology; Louise Clarke, Deputy Director, Cavan Institute; Martina Rooney, Director, Monaghan Institute and Ms Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement, SRC Newry. The discussion focused on the impact of the project in a number of areas such as cross-border benefits, the impact on employers and the learner and community perspective. The conversation also focused on the potential impact of the programme beyond its completion. 

The SECBA initiative, which was awarded €9,739,914 in PEACEPLUS funding at the start of this year, is designed to transform the region, strategically bridging the gap between educational outputs and Industry’s evolving needs. The project will directly address regional skills challenges through strategic cross-border partnerships with Dundalk Institute of Technology, Southern Regional College Newry, Monaghan Institute, Cavan Institute and Workplus. 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said: “I congratulate Dundalk Institute of Technology and its partners on the launch of the SECBA project, supported by PEACEPLUS. This important initiative will strengthen cross-border partnerships and help ensure that the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor continues to develop a highly skilled and educated workforce capable of meeting ever-evolving industry needs. The project also offers learners valuable opportunities to build knowledge and capacity in the region’s key strategic growth areas.”

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said: “This programme is an excellent example of how innovative cross-border collaboration can boost employability, create new opportunities, and build a workforce ready to meet the evolving needs of industry. 

 “The SECBA initiative will equip almost 2,500 people with the skills needed in high-growth sectors such as software development, biopharmaceuticals and business management." 

Speaking at the event Erin McGreehan, T.D. and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, said:

“The SECBA project represents the best of what cross-border collaboration can achieve with the initiative expected to significantly boost employability, encourage innovation, and stimulate sectoral growth, strengthening cross-border employment opportunities. This initiative is built on a clear recognition that the future of our economy and society depends on our ability to equip people with the right skills, at the right time, in the right way. Specialised training to strengthen skills in emerging technologies, biopharma industry needs, and management and sports-related competencies will be invaluable to industry in our region and beyond."

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SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “This particular PEACEPLUS programme investment area sets out to improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning. This will be done through developing accessible infrastructure, including fostering resilience for distance and online education and training.
 “The benefits of SECBA will be felt widely. Training participants will gain valuable qualifications and experience. Local industries will benefit from a skilled and adaptable workforce. Educational institutions will deepen their engagement with employers and communities. And the broader regional economy will see increased competitiveness, labour mobility, and resilience.
 “Cross-border collaboration is central to SECBA’s success. It allows the pooling of resources and the ability to deliver programmes that are greater than the sum of their parts. I wish the project every success and look forward to watching it progress.”

Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, DkIT President added: “It is an honour for Dundalk Institute of Technology to lead this SECBA project, which is set to transform education and industry in our region. We are delighted to collaborate with our valued partners Southern Regional College Newry, Monaghan Institute, Cavan Institute and Workplus to help protect businesses and upskill employees in our region, ensuring that the specific needs of local industry are met. The recruitment of over 3,000 people throughout this initiative along with the introduction of cutting-edge subjects into traditional education and the implementation of educational pathways through structured educational levels from basic to advanced, will help to develop a workforce prepared for ever-changing industry needs.”
 

The SECBA initiative focuses on improving employability, stimulating innovation, and fostering cross-border labour mobility covering three areas:

• Software Development: Focusing on enhancing software development skills by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing  
• Biopharmaceuticals:  Providing specialised training in biotechnology processes at all stages
• Business/Sports: Focused on developing essential management skills relevant to both business and sports contexts, including management workshops and practical training sessions.

The project will focus on equipping the workforce with skills to address the immediate needs of businesses and mitigate employment risks due to technological advancements. A total of 3,118 participants are expected to be recruited across the project, with 2,459 participants expected to complete training and gain certification and up to 185 SECBA CERT programmes to be delivered across the clusters.