Cross-Border Communities Emphasize Importance of Shared Island Funding

The Irish government has allocated hundreds of millions of euros over three and a half years to its Shared Island Initiative. This program is designed to finance projects that span the border, providing advantages to residents in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. A portion of these funds has been directed towards significant undertakings such as the A5 road and the refurbishment of Casement Park, supplemented by contributions from the Northern Ireland Executive. Beyond these prominent infrastructure developments, numerous organizations have received funding for initiatives that extend across the border region. As a general election approaches in just 48 hours, these groups express their hope that the incoming administration will recognize the importance of maintaining this financial support. Lifestyle Development Group, situated in Drogheda, County Louth, was among the organizations that received a portion of the €1.5 million (£1.25 million) Civic Society Fund. The group operates five distinct programs, including an adult education initiative, a retail skills training course, and a creche. In early 2024, it received €31,000 (£26,000) to implement a program named Shared Roots and Routes, in collaboration with the Rural Health Partnership in County Armagh. This program unites women from both sides of the border for educational sessions, excursions, activities, and a chance to delve into their common history and heritage. Marie McLoughlin, the project co-ordinator, stated that the funding presented a significant opportunity to bridge historical divisions. “Everybody is sitting with each other and having a chat and all the craic, and the stories that come out,” she remarked. “It also shows that there is very little between the north and south.” She added, “It’s also broken down a little bit of the barriers, where we would have had preconceived ideas of the north.” Eilín Casey, managing director of Lifestyle Development, indicated that a key reason for seeking the funding was the chance to forge closer ties with women residing only a few miles distant. “South Armagh and Louth are very close together and we figured it would be good for us to interact with somebody else nearby,” she commented. “Even though we have a shared history, sometimes that was seen as two separate histories.” She continued, “It has opened up a whole new way of discussing our histories, it has given people licence to express themselves.” Ms. Casey emphasized that, irrespective of the composition of the next government in Dublin, there should be a strong commitment to ongoing funding for organizations such as hers. “For border communities the importance of these type of programmes cannot be understated,” she asserted. “If I could say anything to the government I would say: ‘Please pay attention to this.'” She concluded, “This is something which would benefit everybody in the whole of Ireland.” Sister Ann Brady, a founding member of Lifestyle Development, described the funding as “core to helping us to do what we aimed to do.” She expressed, “We are really hopefully that we will be successful in our application for another round of funding to continue and further develop the project and look at the present day challenges faced by people in south Armagh and in this area.” Elsewhere in the country, in County Donegal, the Shared Island initiative has provided financial support for an environmental project in partnership with an organization in adjacent County Londonderry. According to the joint-CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership, this represents a logical strategy for environmental matters, as the environment disregards human geographical divisions and borders. His organization received €24,000 (£20,000) to collaborate with The Rural Area Partnership in Derry on a project titled Networking Community Collaboration for Environmental Stewardship. Andrew Ward stated, “Because of our geographic location linking with the north is vital.” He continued, “The environment and other areas don’t stop at the border, when we had huge floods here in 2017 there were also floods in Derry.” He explained, “The idea is that when the project is all over we will have a core of people north and south in an environmental cluster.” Ward added, “Shared Island is a great tool for helping in that.” Concluding, he said, “Without it I think we are missing a huge opportunity.” The initiative includes workshops covering subjects like wildlife protection, methods for conducting bird surveys, and the benefits of gardening for wildlife. Mr. Ward commended the straightforward application process for the funding and noted ample possibilities for its further expansion within border communities. “What I would love to see is a marine innovation centre in Donegal and maybe one in the north,” he expressed. “I would love to see us using Shared Island funding to look at the marine and see where we can get good well payed jobs for our youth going forward instead of them emigrating.” He concluded, “It is an ideal vehicle for communities to come together and work on areas of common interest.” Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, and the Green Party have all indicated their intention to increase funding for the Shared Island Unit, or its operational capacity, if they are elected. Conversely, Fine Gael, Labour, and Aontú have stated they will utilize the scheme. People Before Profit, the Social Democrats, and Solidarity have not specifically addressed the funding. Nevertheless, the Social Democrats assert that there is “no option but to coordinate” on matters like energy and the environment, suggesting this coordination should extend to public services.