Latest news with #SharedIslandFund
Irish Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Post
€16m allocated to cross-border research partnerships including Parkinson's Disease project
THE IRISH GOVERNMENT has announced it has allocated €16m to cross-border research collaborations between higher education institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Among the projects is one to help those suffering with Parkinson's Disease and another to develop cybersecurity to support cross-border infrastructures. The investment is delivered through the North-South Research Programme (NSRP), a collaborative scheme funded by the government through the Shared Island Fund. "Deepening cooperation between higher education institutions and researchers on a cross-border basis to conduct research of economic and social benefit to the whole island is a key priority of the government's Shared Island Initiative," said Taoiseach Micheál Martin. "I am very pleased to see the Higher Education Authority in this second round of the programme enabling four major new institutional cross-border research partnerships with this focus. "I congratulate all of the successful research teams and institutions and look forward to seeing the outputs and benefits that each project will deliver in the years ahead." Partnerships The projects were chosen following a highly competitive process involving 131 applications from 17 higher education institutions, evaluated by international experts. Co-Create has been developed by the National College of Art and Design and Ulster University. It aims to use art and design to create frameworks, toolkits and models for co-creation in areas like healthcare and community-led services. University of Limerick and Queen's University Belfast have joined forces for the CyberUnite project, which aims to secure cross-border critical infrastructure. Its goal is to enhance cyber-resilience and improve economic and national security, developing a unified cybersecurity research ecosystem. Developed by Trinity College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast, Lifelangs aims to foster a shared understanding of linguistic diversity and promoting social cohesion. It will create a centre dedicated to studying the languages and identities shared across different communities across the island of Ireland. Finally, PD-Life will create an all-island Parkinson's Disease research hub that will look at wellbeing and resilience for people living with the condition. Created by University College Cork and Queen's University Belfast, it will focus on areas such as stigma, mental health and physical activity. Each of the four projects will receive up to €4m over a four-year period. 'Potential' "Since my appointment, I have actively engaged in strengthening North-South collaborations between higher-education and research institutions," said James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. "Today's announcement is a clear demonstration of the potential we unlock when we work together at scale. "These projects, spanning cybersecurity, language and identity, Parkinson's Disease research, and inclusive design, demonstrate the potential of what shared research ambition can achieve. "They will foster innovation, inform policy, and enhance quality of life across communities. Crucially, they set the stage for deeper collaboration in the years ahead."
RTÉ News
03-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
United Ireland would cost €3bn in first year, report says
New research has shown that a united Ireland would cost €3 billion in the first year, but that any financial burdens would disappear within a decade. The report published this morning by Dublin City University and Ulster University showed an initial investment of €1bn in public expenditure would reduce the cost of a united Ireland gradually. It said that a deficit in public finances would last between five and nine years, depending on economic growth. It is the first peer-reviewed report to calculate the cost of unity over its first ten years. The public spending deficit that the Republic of Ireland would inherit from Northern Ireland would be around €1.75bn, according to the report. Implementing a 48% increase in public pay gradually would bring wages in Northern Ireland in line with the Republic's. Equalising these wages would cost €152m per year, for 15 years. Meanwhile, balancing public sector pensions would cost around €115m a year for 40 years, according to the report. Looking at three different scenarios, the report said Northern Ireland would be able to reduce its deficit through economic growth. It said that previous projections have "grossly exaggerated the probable real cost of unity". One of the report's authors, Vice President for Research in Dublin City University Professor, John Doyle said: "There is no obvious reason why Northern Ireland would remain so much poorer and so much less economically productive that, for example Munster." Govt 'committed' to United Ireland as SF says reunification a 'huge' opportunity Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe earlier reiterated the Government's "commitment" to a united Ireland, after Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy asked if the Government would commit to planning and preparing to deliver a united Ireland. Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Donohoe said the coalition and previous administrations have made clear their "commitment" to the cause. However, they have also made clear the steps that are needed to "bring us closer together and to unite this island," he added. "That's already happening," Mr Donohoe said, using the example of the Shared Island Fund and the work the Government has done to "deal with Brexit". He said those who point out "economic consequences" are not necessarily "opponents" of a united Ireland. "We should be able to have a fair and open debate regarding an issue that is so important," the minister said, and the Government will put forward practical steps to "bring us together". Mr Carthy had referred to the DCU and Ulster university report in questioning and said that it "highlights the reunification of Ireland is a huge opportunity for us all". "The cost of a united Ireland has been exaggerated partly because what is called the UK subvention has been misunderstood and misinterpreted," the report said. "At the same time, the potential for economic growth in an all-island economy, where Northern Ireland is once again inside the European Union, has not received sufficient attention." Mr Carthy said the report found that the costs of unity would be far lower than had previously been "put forward opponents of Irish unity". He said the research has delivered a "fatal blow to any economic arguments that might have been presented against a united Ireland". Mr Carthy said the Government needs to "step up and grasp the massive opportunities for all of the people of Ireland's 32 counties". "This generation in my view can reunite Ireland but the Government needs to come off the bench and get onto the pitch." he said.
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Narrow Water Bridge will be delivered ‘on time and on budget'
Work is well underway to install the 195-metre cable-stayed bridge linking County Louth and County Down at Narrow Water near Warrenpoint in County Down, providing the first direct cross over at Carlingford Lough for traffic and pedestrians. Speaking at the council's monthly meeting, Independent Councillor, Maeve Yore sought an update on the project, asking if it was 'on time and on budget.' Director of Services, David Jones, explained the construction of the cross border bridge is a three and a half year project, of which the first year has already been completed. He explained that that it was set to be delivered on time, and is on budget. The meeting also heard from a number of local councillors who argued they should have been invited to a recent visit by Taoiseach, Michael Martin to the site in Omeath. Deputy Chief Executive, Thomas McEvoy, told members the meeting had been a private visit organised by the Taoiseach's office, and was not organised by Louth County Council. He added that they had been asked to give a presentation on the progress which has been made so far. The project, which has been costed at over €100m, is a flagship project of the government's Shared Island Fund, aimed at increasing connectivity in the east border region, and providing an economic and tourism boost.
Agriland
08-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
Farm walk set to explore the future of the industry
A not-for-profit organisation that focuses on spreading information on regenerating ecosystems will host a walk exploring the future of farming in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone next week. The farm walk will take place on the land of Bronagh O'Kane in Cookstown on Saturday, June 14, and focus on how her efforts to improve the soils have helped develop her cattle and sheep farm. Síolta Chroí – 'Seeds of the Heart' – is a social enterprise based in Carrickmacross, Monaghan, that was set up in September 2020. The event on O'Kane's land is the third farm walk in a series of six hosted by the organisation, with John Duffy in Co. Donegal being first and Mark Gilanders' organic tillage farm in Co. Monaghan second. There will be others in counties Derry, Cavan, and Armagh over the next few months. The walks offer the chance to discover how local farms are leading the way in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, according to Gareth Conlon of Síolta Chroí. Future of farming Conlan said: 'Farmers who want to play their part in tackling some of the biggest challenges we face but who are not sure where to start will benefit from the walks.' Síolta Chroí has collaborated with two dynamic, farmer-led networks — GrowIN in Northern Ireland and Talamh Beo in the Republic — in hosting the series of walks. The events are supported by Cavan and Monaghan Education Training Board (ETB) and Donegal ETB and funded under the Shared Island Fund. 'The walks offers a chance to get out onto the land, connect with working farmers, farmer-to-farmer, and explore real-life examples of regenerative agriculture in action,' said Conlon. Participants will see how farmers are improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and integrating animals as active contributors to the health of their systems, all while maintaining productive, profitable farms, he said. 'The focus goes beyond just farming. These walks are about carbon sequestration, cleaner water, trees and agroforestry, and ensuring sustainable farm livelihoods for future generations. 'This is agriculture that works with nature — not against it,' Conlon added. People participating on a previous farm walk on Bronagh O'Kane in Co. Tyrone. Source: Síolta Chroí Farming 38ac, Bronagh O'Kane is a trailblazer in practical, low-cost regenerative practices. Her innovative approach includes using her animals — and even her worms — to improve soil fertility, reduce input costs, and increase productivity naturally. She took over the farm from her father during Covid-19, and runs a cattle and sheep enterprise. She uses worms as a main source of fertiliser. According to Síolta Chroí's Gareth Conlon, a visit to O'Kane's farm will be an eye-opener for farmers at all stages in their career. 'Whether you're an experienced farmer or just starting out, this walk is a chance to learn, connect, and leave with new ideas that can help you and your land thrive into the future,' he said.
RTÉ News
07-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Calls for transparency around cross-border project funds
There is significant scope to enhance transparency around funding for cross-border projects, one of the Government's key policy programmes, the Parliamentary Budget Office has stated. More than €2 billion has been pledged to the Shared Ireland Initiative over the period from 2021 to 2035. However, the report by the Budget Office found that there was currently a disjointed approach to financial reporting on the Shared Island Fund. More than €550 million has been committed to date but the Budget Office stated that it was unclear how much of this funding has been allocated at this point. The Shared Ireland Initiative is aiming to promote cooperation across the island of Ireland. Some of the funding commitments include €600 million for the A5 North-West transport corridor, the construction of the Narrow Water Bridge along with a contribution towards the redevelopment of Casement Park. A Government spokesperson said all allocations from the Shared Island Fund are reported on in Dáil statements, parliamentary question replies and in the Initiative's annual reports. They said the Department of the Taoiseach will consider the Parliamentary Budget Office report in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and NDP Delivery and Reform. "More detailed project-level reporting on Shared Island Fund allocations would need to take account of the fact that individual Departments are responsible for management of and reporting of funds within their votes, including from the Shared Island Fund," the spokesperson said.
