LONDON, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The Irish government announced on Tuesday that it would allocate 377 million euros (429 million U.S. dollars) from the Shared Island Fund during the 2027-2030 period to 12 new projects and programs aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation and infrastructure across the island of Ireland.
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said the latest package would bring total allocations from the fund to more than 1 billion euros (1.13 billion dollars).
The largest allocation, 193 million euros (219 million dollars), will support rail infrastructure linking Derry, Belfast and Dublin. The investment is intended to increase line speeds, capacity and service reliability by 2030, in cooperation with transport authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The package also includes 40 million euros (45 million dollars) for a new offshore renewable energy ports development scheme and 33 million euros (37 million dollars) for a water-quality program covering the Lough Neagh catchment.
A further 13.5 million euros (15 million dollars) will support skills development and facilities in the early learning and childcare sector, while 4 million euros (4.5 million dollars) will go toward the digital creative industries.
Other allocations cover industrial sustainability, cross-border healthcare, the next phase of the Ulster Canal, sporting cooperation and regeneration projects in the Cork and Belfast docklands.
Martin said the funding would improve connectivity between the north and south and support major infrastructure and renewable energy projects. He described the Shared Island initiative as a groundbreaking program with practical benefits for communities across the island.
According to the Irish government, the Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement by strengthening cooperation, connections and mutual understanding across the island. The Shared Island Fund supports practical cross-border projects developed with partners in Northern Ireland in areas including infrastructure, climate action, culture and research.
