The Cavan PEACE IV plan and the annexes contained within this document were developed after extensive consultation to address the three themes of; Children and Young People, Shared Spaces and Building Positive Relations. The successful completion of the PEACE III Programme gives confidence to Cavan to proceed with this PEACE IV bid and build on what has gone before. From a design perspective, the focus is on young people in County Cavan and County Fermanagh working across the border to form positive and productive relationships with others of a different background and other targeted groups within the same geographical boundary, including travellers. Also, the opportunity to provide a ‘shared space and services leading to more cohesive society. Small grants and open call - tenders to targeted groups forms part of the proposal. Delivery will be in the shape of partnership delivery programmes that have proved successful in the past. The outputs and results of the project, aligned to the Programme outputs and results and documented in section [1]. The design has gone through a robust SMART test and as such the objectives are capable of being monitored with a high degree of accuracy from outputs to stated results. The activities supporting the stated objectives are clearly stated in section [3] and complement the SMART approach set out in section [2] and provides the confidence and evidence necessary for taking this course of action as expressed through the various activities clearly numbered and linked to each objective. In keeping with the overall PEACE IV cross-community and cross-border partnerships, the plan recognises the value of these partnerships and cooperation and again reflected in the activities supporting the stated objectives. The project contributes to the key regional policies and the significant interconnections between the eleven [11] strategies and plans documented in section four [4]. Additionality is also addressed making sure value-for-money in the investment is achieved. The same depth of analysis was carried out to ensure that this new money was not causing displacement, and we are confident that this is not the case. Furthermore, we are in the process of completing a full audit of community projects which will help prevent any drift towards duplication/displacement. The period between the completion of PEACE III and this application was used to establish the need, on past experience and translate this learning into this plan. We believe the process represents ‘best practice’ having followed the route of consultation with local groups and services and previous PEACE funded projects. The Cavan PEACE Conversation workshop was the perfect vehicle to inform our approach to PEACE IV and a greater understanding and openness around cross-community engagement and respect; which after all, is central to this and all the PEACE programmes. Having arrived at the objectives and the associated activities, the Peace action plan gave considered to the options around delivery and arrived at the preferred options. The decision was arrived at after setting very clear criteria to ensure reconciliation as a result of the actions. Section [6] sets out an analysis of the various approaches which were considered and the preferred method for the implementation of the plans through a mixture of partnership delivery, open calls for small grants and shared spaces and services and open call through the public tendering process. Learning and experience from the past would suggest this is the best way ahead for the Cavan situation and will ensure better value for money, efficient and timely delivery in a cost effective manner. The experience of managing Peace III and the ongoing support and training provided through the SEUPB provided the clarity necessary to complete the financial planning and budgeting for this PEACE IV plan. The lead partner has a wealth of experience in accounting and management of finances with an extensive financial and control system based on Local Government plus the necessary expertise in the application of the EU rules as demonstrated in the successful implementation of the PEACE III action plan. Under the simplified cost options, unit costs are not proposed for use during the implementation of the Cavan Peace Action Plan but rather use the flat rate option – 15% of direct salary cost. This simplification option will also be passed on to any delivery agents external to Cavan County Council. Section [7] includes the Cavan management and reporting system; again building from the success of PEACE III and found fit for purpose from both internal and external examination. The management approach flowing from the structure is also referenced and together with the robust management system any issues around state-aids and procurement will be safely managed as will the cash-flows arrangement that ensures uninterrupted delivery within the agreed timeframe. The various financial tables and details of
