SVNP Partners, Government representatives and SEUPB representatives
The project aims to drive digital innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion across the North West City Region.
Led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the project brings together key regional partners including ERNACT, Donegal County Council, Ulster University and North West Regional College. Running until June 2029, SVNP will support rural communities through digital transformation and inclusive economic growth.
The launch event, hosted by renowned local author and journalist Jeananne Craig, brought together representatives from government departments, funding bodies, project partners, and community organisations from across the region.
Senior representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland) and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (Ireland) addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening rural and community development.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA said: “The launch of the Smart Village Network Project marks an important milestone in supporting rural communities to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital world. Through PEACEPLUS investment, this project will deliver practical, community focused support – from digital hubs and skills development to mentoring and action planning – helping address challenges including digital exclusion and the transition to a low carbon future. I am encouraged by the strong cross border partnership behind this initiative and its potential to strengthen local capacity, connectivity and long-term sustainability across the region.
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 want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped the Smart Village Network Project get off the ground. I am delighted that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will provide support for this outstanding project in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Special EU Programmes Body. Long-term benefits for the area will result from this initiative's successful achievements;.
Minister Buttimer added
Through the distribution of this essential funding, the Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area aims to deliver improved social and economic development in rural towns and villages. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the quality of life in rural areas and strengthen our communities for long-term sustainability. Its legacy will be the creation of more desirable places for people to live and work.”
Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of SEUPB, said: “The Smart Village Network Project is a strong example of how PEACEPLUS investment is supporting practical cooperation across the region. By improving digital access, skills and infrastructure in rural communities, this project addresses real needs while creating opportunities that are shared and sustainable.
It reflects our continued commitment to inclusive growth, collaboration, and to ensuring that communities across the North West City Region are well-placed to benefit from digital and green transformation."
Cllr Ruairí McHugh, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Cllr Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, welcomed the investment and its potential to deliver long-term benefits for communities across the region.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh said: “As someone rooted in a rural community, I am delighted to launch the Smart Village Network Project, which offers a practical response to challenges like digital exclusion and distance from services. For Derry and Strabane, investment in six facilities across Castlederg, Newtownstewart, Plumbridge, Park, Claudy, and Eglinton will evolve these important local spaces into accessible hubs for learning, work, and enterprise. By linking our hubs with those in Donegal, we are creating a powerful cross-border network that builds regional resilience and helps our communities thrive in a digital and green future.”
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning said: “What makes this project especially valuable is that it is not only about buildings or technology, it is about people. It is about creating welcoming places where communities can learn new skills, start businesses, access services and connect across borders. That is the real value of this investment.”
Guest speaker Leah Fairman, National Hubs Executive with Connected Hubs and former hub manager, as guest speaker at the event shared insights on the value of digital hubs in supporting community resilience, innovation, and enterprise.
The project will establish a cross-border network of digital hubs across Derry-Strabane and Donegal, including the development of six new hubs and the enhancement of six existing facilities. These hubs will support digital access, skills development, enterprise growth, and community engagement.
Each hub will be equipped with advanced technologies and sustainability upgrades, alongside tailored training, mentoring programmes, and innovation activities designed to accelerate both digital and green transformation.
Speakers at the event emphasised the project’s role in bridging the rural–urban divide, improving access to digital services, and creating new economic opportunities.
The Smart Village Network Project represents a significant investment in the future of the North West City Region, supporting peacebuilding, shared prosperity, and long-term sustainability through innovation and collaboration.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Find out more about the project on www.svnp-hubs.com