Shared Island projects receive €3m boost

RECONCILIATION Local TDs welcome Tánaiste's fund announcement

A new €3 million fund has been announced to promote the government's 'Shared Island' agenda has been welcomed by local TDs.

The Shared Island Civic Society Fund fund was announced today by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

In its first three years, the fund aims to assist organisations to work on a regional, national or cross-border basis on such issues as climate and environment; community development; heritage and conservation; social enterprise; charity and voluntary sector and sport.

Deputy Brendan Smith said, “This very substantial funding under the Shared Island initiative will allow the space and resources to open conversations and dialogue between civil society groups across the island of Ireland.

“It’s imperative the Government continue to invest in Shared Island initiatives. As we move towards 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement it’s important we ramp up our commitment to working towards mutual understanding and community engagement across the island of Ireland.”

Meanwhile his party colleague Deputy Niamh Smyth said, “I’m delighted to see this further significant funding under the Shared Island initiative. This fund will allow groups within civil society to create new opportunities and spark conversations between communities on both sides of the border.

“The Shared Island initiative is receiving significant funding from Government and is working to achieve the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement across the island of Ireland.”