Thirty-five projects chosen as recipients of cross-Border grants totalling €1m

Rebecca Black, PA

An all-island women’s soccer competition is among the beneficiaries of a round of grants announced by Tánaiste Micheál Martin as part of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund.

The Fianna Fáil leader announced grants worth a total of €1 million for 35 cross-Border projects.

The projects range from theatres to hospices, the environment, community development, local government associations, railway connections and the 2024 All-Island Cup, a women’s soccer competition staged by the FAI and the Northern Ireland Football league.

Mr Martin praised the projects as covering “a broad range of sectors and themes”.

“I established the Shared Island Initiative in 2020 with a positive vision for the future of our island – a vision of a more confident, inclusive and prosperous island for everyone, North and South,” he said.

“The Shared Island Civic Society Fund promotes practical co-operation and interaction in civic society on this island. This latest round of grants will promote North-South co-operation and enhance cross-Border civic, economic, cultural and community links across the island.”

Mr Martin said there has been “huge interest” in the fund after its launch last year.

“People and communities are reaching out to each other, identifying areas of common interest, and agreeing ways to work together to address joint concerns,” he said.

“This is the essence of the Shared Island Initiative. Communities working together for the betterment of the island for everyone who calls this place home. And we can do more.

“I am pleased to confirm that we will be making increased levels of support available through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund in a further round that will open for applications in the coming months.”