THE IRISH government has pledged to match funds already committed to cross-border projects as its seeks to create what Taoiseach Micheál Martin described as a "more connected, sustainable and prosperous island for all".
The coalition government's National Development Plan has earmarked a further €500m to the end of the decade for shared island initiatives, which will be augmented with up to €3bn of Peace Plus funds, delivered in conjunction with the EU, Stormont and the British government.
Among the flagship cross-border projects set to benefit are an island-wide greenway network, linking the Atlantic coast with the eastern seaboard, and
enhanced all-island rail connectivity, including the introduction of an hourly rail service on the Belfast-Dublin line.
There will also be coordinated investment in electric vehicle charging networks on both sides of the border and enhanced support for enterprise development.
In addition to the delivery of the €40m north/south research programme and creation of new all-island research centres, the plan will further develop third-level education infrastructure in the north west region, as well as progressing new cross-border built and natural heritage initiatives.
The taoiseach said Ireland's population would grow by one million over the next two decades, bringing its total population to around 8 million.
He said the National Development Plan, which was signed off yesterday at a cabinet meeting in Cork, would maximise the "opportunities of an increased population, skilled workforce and larger consumer market for the island as a whole".
“Our ambition is to create a more connected, sustainable and prosperous island for all – we will do that through a wide-ranging, sustained programme of investment, delivered through all-island partnerships," he said.
"By enhancing cooperation and investment on a north/south basis, we can better address common economic, environmental and infrastructure needs, take up advantages of scale, release the full potential of border regions and enhance connections between people across the island."
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said he was particularly welcoming of the Dublin government's "strong commitment to north/south partnerships".
"This enhanced level of ambition - backed up with a commitment of more than €3.5 billion over 10 years for cross-border public investments - will benefit all communities and traditions and represents a real step change in terms of practical cooperation across the island," he said.
The Irish government is also keen to stress that the investment and infrastructure plan will also presents significant business and employment opportunities on both sides of the border.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said enhancing cross-border infrastructure could "maximise the economic potential of the island".
“The commitment from the Irish government to cross-border infrastructure projects as part of their ten-year infrastructure and investment plan is a welcome development," he said.
"Investment will be needed to deliver key strategic projects like the A5, Narrow Water Bridge, and the Ulster Canal connection."
