Maximising Community Space

Maximising Community Space (MCS) is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project is designed to empower community‑based groups that own or manage community facilities, helping them unlock the full potential of these spaces as shared, inclusive, and welcoming venues.

MCS supports organisations to broaden the range and quality of activities they offer, respond more effectively to local needs, and create environments where people from all cultural backgrounds and traditions can come together with confidence. By strengthening community spaces as shared assets, the project aims to build connection, participation, and long‑term sustainability across communities.

The project received €2,753,293 from PEACEPLUS and brings together a multi stakeholder partnership comprising of Rural Action who will lead the project along with partners, Irish Rural Link (IRL) and the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN).

Support will be delivered to participant groups based on the following 3 Themes –

Theme 1. Inclusive Leadership 

Building skills, confidence and capacity of those responsible for managing and sustaining community spaces and increasing the involvement of women in leadership.

Theme 2. Inclusive Space

Considering current usage, and with practical support, identify new shared and inclusive activities which could be offered to encourage increased usage and participation by the wider community.

Theme 3. Connecting People & Spaces

Making connections with other communities, councils, local authorities and other statutory agencies.

The project will work with 40 groups (20 in Northern Ireland and 20 in the border region of Ireland). It will work with rural organisations located in areas with a settlement size of 5,000 or less (NI) and 10,000 or less (border region of Ireland).

Through a series of networking events and study visits, MCS will encourage and facilitate collaboration between rural communities on a cross-border and cross-community basis. Participating groups and organisations will also receive training on a range of topics including managing community spaces, developing good relations, partnership working, promoting diversity & inclusion. Furthermore, groups will be encouraged to share knowledge and ideas with each other with a view to strengthening their capacity and promotion of shared rural spaces.

More information on how to express an interest in the programme will be available soon.