THE Irish Government is to announce at least €50 million (£43m) today in new funding for cross-border projects under the Shared Island initiative.
Science, tourism, the arts and the environment are set to be the biggest beneficiaries from the Shared Island Fund in 2023.
It will bring to over €190m the amount allocated to the Shared Island Fund over the past two years.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to confirm the new cash allocations during the second Shared Island Forum at Dublin Castle.
A smaller sum will also establish the new Shared Island Civic Society fund, led by Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, to develop new and strengthen existing cross-border links between civic society and community organisations.
Meanwhile, a new multi-million pound cross-border tourism initiative will seek to link the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way tourism brands.
As it stands, Fáilte Ireland’s 1,600 mile Atlantic coastal promotion stops in Donegal.
The fund emerged out of the Shared Island unit, launched by Dublin in 2020 with the goal of engaging “with all communities and political traditions to build consensus around a shared future on the island”.
The most significant projects funded to date include €40m (£34m) for the restoration of the Ulster Canal and €15m (£13m) for electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the border region.
The long-delayed Narrow Water Bridge project is also receiving funding from the fund.
It is understood the biggest beneficiary from the latest €50m tranche will be the new Co-Centre research and innovation programme.
Administered by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the project is a collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Science Evidence and Innovation Policy Division in the north and UK Research and Innovation.
It is understood Stormont, Dublin and London have committed to match funding for the joint, virtual research centres, each of which will be funded for six years.
SFI opened a call on November 24 for proposals on climate, and sustainable and resilient food systems.
Significant new funding is also being confirmed for all-island biodiversity actions on peatlands restoration and biosecurity alongside funding for all-island cultural heritage projects.
The taoiseach is also expected to confirm fresh funds for north/south research programmes.
The Shared Island Fund has already funded dozens of such projects, which include a new initiative led by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to examine economic and social opportunities from increased cooperation on the island.