This investment is part of the government’s commitment to expanding the Shared Island Fund by an additional €1 billion up to 2035. Since 2020, €510.4 million has been awarded to projects under this fund.

The latest funding package is of more than €57 million for five initiatives, including €23 million for a tourism “Shared Destination” project and €20 million for arts, culture, and heritage programmes. Additionally, €4 million will be allocated for the next phase of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, and €10 million will support a new nature restoration programme.

There will also be a €6 million investment in the Cuilacagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to connect trails across the border, and another €6 million will be used to develop a network of trails and water access points in the Carlingford Lough region, while a similar amount will reinforce the 73-kilometre of cross-border trails around Sliabh Beagh Mountain.

Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of Arts, will oversee a €10 million Shared Island Cultural Fund to foster cooperation, while the Tánaiste will advance the second phase of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund to strengthen links between community organisations.

Furthermore, the government is launching initiatives to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. A new Disability Unit will manage these efforts, focusing on reducing red tape for hiring therapists and enhancing accessibility on public transport.