Border People FLOW officially launched

Border People FLOW, a project to support cross-border workers, employers and policy makers, has been officially launched in Aonach Mhacha, Armagh.

The €1.3 million initiative is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Since commencing activities in February 2026, Border People FLOW has been working to improve access to reliable cross-border employment information and support, strengthen the capacity of advice services and generate evidence-based policy recommendations to improve labour mobility across the island of Ireland.

Minister of Finance John O’Dowd MLA said: “I welcome the launch of the Border People FLOW project, a valuable cross-border initiative that will assist workers and employers to access advice, as well as strengthening capacity of advice services.

“Through PEACEPLUS funding, this collaborative project will build the evidence needed to address challenges faced by those working in the all-island labour market.”

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers said: “I welcome the launch of the Border People FLOW project, which recognises the importance of cross-border working in Ireland.

“By supporting the provision of information and advice, the project will benefit both workers and employers. I particularly welcome its focus on evidence-informed delivery and I look forward to seeing the economic and social benefits across the island, and in particular in the border regions.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “FLOW is one of nine initiatives receiving a combined €19 million through the PEACEPLUS Strategic Planning and Engagement Programme.
Border People FLOW is a practical and forward-looking project that will help create a stronger, more connected all-island labour market.

“At a time when employment systems and labour markets are evolving rapidly, FLOW will help ensure that workers, employers and communities can better navigate opportunities and challenges on a cross-border basis.

“The project reflects the PEACEPLUS values of cooperation, inclusion and shared prosperity, while supporting greater workforce mobility and economic resilience across the island of Ireland.”

Speaking at the launch, Annmarie O’Kane, Assistant Director of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, said: “Border People FLOW is helping to shape a more accessible, responsive and inclusive all-island labour market.

“By gathering evidence from those with lived experience of cross-border employment and learning from successful approaches in other border regions, the project will support policy and systems improvements that benefit workers, employers and communities.”

The project is delivered in partnership with North Connacht & Ulster Citizens Information Service, Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down and Advice NI with support from associate partners Citizens Information Board and the Cross Border Partnership for Employment Services.

Over its three-year lifetime, Border People FLOW will provide information and support to workers and employers, deliver specialist training and capacity-building activities for advisers, and develop evidence to inform future policy and administrative improvements affecting cross-border employment.

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.

For further information visit www.borderpeople.info or contact borderpeople@crossborder.ie