Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have announced over €50 million in funding from the Shared Island Fund for 10 new programmes to be implemented between 2026 and 2030, aimed at strengthening connections and cooperation across the island of Ireland. The investment spans media, emergency management, cultural engagement, creative arts, transport, environmental initiatives, agriculture, research, and cross-border employment services.
A new Shared Island Media initiative, led by Coimisiún na Meán with €14 million in funding, will support ongoing cross-border journalism and all-island content production, including training new talent and generating programming linked to the Shared Home Place programme. Cross-border emergency management will receive €5.9 million to enhance flood response and technical rescue capacity through joint training and equipment upgrades involving fire and emergency services from both jurisdictions.
The Shared Home Place programme, funded with €6 million, will engage communities and the diaspora in exploring the island’s heritage and culture. It includes five dimensions—heritage, diaspora engagement, national cultural institutions, intangible cultural heritage, and public talks—designed to foster inclusive dialogue and strengthen societal connections across the island.
Arts and culture will benefit from up to €14.5 million through the Creative Ireland-Shared Island programme, which supports community-led projects, youth engagement, climate action initiatives, and creative industry development. A new Public Service Obligation air service between Dublin and Derry, funded with €2 million, will improve transport connectivity and economic opportunities in the northwest. Cross-border greenways development will receive €2 million to advance shared walking and cycling routes, while the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Phase 3 will be supported with €1.8 million to protect pollinators and biodiversity.
Agriculture cooperation will see €6.4 million allocated to a cross-border pilot programme tackling bovine tuberculosis, and research and development will receive €2.3 million to commercialise findings through partnerships with the United States and Northern Ireland. A further €1 million will enhance the Cross-Border Partnership for Employment Services to improve awareness and accessibility of all-island labour market opportunities.
These initiatives form part of the Government’s wider Shared Island strategy, backed by a €2 billion commitment through 2035, designed to foster reconciliation, mutual respect, economic growth, and sustainable development. The investment integrates with broader National Development Plan priorities in transport, climate action, renewable energy, and research, reflecting a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to building a more connected and inclusive island.
