New cross-border funding will support rural digital hubs in Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

A €4.9 million PEACEPLUS investment has been approved to support digital innovation, sustainability and social inclusion across Derry-Londonderry, Strabane and Donegal.

The funding will support the Smart Villages Network Project, a cross-border initiative led by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Donegal County Council, Ulster University, North West Regional College, ERNACT and 12 rural community facilities across the North West.

For Chamber members, the investment is relevant because it aims to improve digital access, skills development and enterprise support in rural communities. The project will create and enhance local digital hub facilities, offering training, business mentoring, digital innovation events and access to new technologies.

In Derry and Strabane, six community centres will be supported through minor capital works and programme delivery. These are Churchtown Community Association, Claudy Rural Development, Eglinton Community Limited, Glenelly Development Trust, Learmount Community Development Group and Newtownstewart Centre 2000.

A further six hubs in Donegal will also benefit, including Inishowen Innovation, The BASE, Greencastle Community Development, gTEIC Carrigart, gTEIC Gaoth Dobhair and gTEIC An Tearmainn.

The hubs will receive targeted investment in digital and green transformation, including technologies such as Internet of Things systems, 3D printers, 5G connectivity and energy monitoring solutions. Green retrofits will also be delivered to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.

The project is due to run until June 2029 and is funded through the PEACEPLUS Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area. It is intended to strengthen cross-border collaboration, improve inclusion and help rural communities participate more fully in a digital-first economy.

For businesses across the North West, the initiative could help widen access to digital skills, workspace, mentoring and local innovation networks, particularly in rural areas where connectivity and access to support can be more limited.

The takeaway:
This  investment should help strengthen rural digital infrastructure and enterprise support across the North West, with practical benefits for communities, businesses and cross-border collaboration.