Minister Martin to implement €15.6m in cross-border tourism and culture funding

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin will take the lead in implementing €15.6 million in new funding for all-island tourism and cultural projects, as announced today (5 Dec). This is the latest round of projects to be supported by the Government’s Shared Island initiative.

Minister Martin said;

“I’m delighted to have secured funding for these cross-border initiatives, which will not only help to deliver very worthwhile projects but will also foster increased North-South cooperation.

“There is already strong all-island cooperation within the tourism sector, and this new initiative will enhance that relationship, with particular benefits for the North West.

“There is also a welcome focus on young people in the Creative Ireland projects, which will help to grow our networks of creativity on this island and open up new opportunities for communities North and South of the border to collaborate on new cultural initiatives.

“We will also promote greater appreciation and enjoyment of the diverse linguistic and cultural heritage on the island of Ireland through targeted support for the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages.”

The funding includes €7.6m for a new all-island tourism marketing initiative to connect the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way so that visitors to one are attracted to the other. By making both routes known internationally, the local economies of the regions will be boosted, and new opportunities created.

There will be €6m to give an all-island element to the Government’s Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027. This initiative will seek to increase opportunities for cross-community cultural and creative initiatives among young people. It will enhance networks of creativity and deepen collaborations for a more environmentally and socially sustainable island.

There will be €2m for new cross-border culture and heritage projects supporting the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages. This includes funding for the development of community-run facilities and cross-community cultural events. This will promote greater awareness of the value and traditions of the linguistic heritage of the whole island.

Green Party Leader in Northern Ireland, Councillor Mal O’Hara said;

“There are many exciting opportunities for enhanced cross-border working. The funding from the Shared Island programmes announced today further showcase the potential of these opportunities. This island is a single bio-diverse unit, and it makes perfect sense to work on an all-island basis on issues of climate and biodiversity. The funding announced regarding cross border programmes for tourism, cultural heritage, civic society, innovation and research are further examples of areas to enhance cooperation and maximise opportunities for everyone on the island.”