Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has announced more than £6.5 million (just under €7.6 million) in Emigrant Support Programme grants, benefiting 110 organisations and supporting 192 projects across the Irish community in Britain. The funding aims to strengthen community initiatives, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance connections among Irish diaspora groups throughout the UK.
Speaking at the Irish Embassy in London, Minister Richmond highlighted his visits over the past nine months to community groups in London, Coventry, Birmingham, Glasgow, and northern England. He praised the resilience and dedication of these communities in overcoming challenges while nurturing both people and heritage, emphasizing that the funding will help organisations continue sharing individual stories and fostering community engagement.
Minister Richmond also underscored the Irish Government’s commitment to deepening political and economic ties with Great Britain, noting that the diaspora’s insights and understanding play a key role in strengthening Irish-British relations. He recognized the contributions of the Irish community to the Government’s new diaspora strategy, which incorporated feedback from consultations across the UK and over 10,000 responses to the Global Irish Survey. These perspectives will help shape a more inclusive and effective strategy for Ireland’s engagement with its diaspora.
Overall, the announcement reinforces the Government’s ongoing support for Irish communities abroad, highlighting the value of diaspora participation in preserving cultural identity, fostering connections, and contributing to broader bilateral relations.
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