Latest news with #SharedIslandFund
Agriland
2 hours ago
- 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
13 hours ago
- 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.
RTÉ News
28-04-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Taoiseach to publish new report on North-South cooperation
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will publish a significant report on the Government's Shared Island initiative, which aims to harness the potential of the Good Friday Agreement by enhancing cross-border cooperation. The latest joint ESRI-Shared Island report, entitled 'Sharing the Island: Economic and Social Challenges and Opportunities', marks four years of collaboration. In his keynote address in Dublin, it is expected that Mr Martin will point to the further €1 billion investment in the Shared Island Fund to 2035, and reflect on the strengthened ties between Ireland, the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK government. There have been 15 previous reports, and the research has examined addressing child poverty and education outcomes. It has led to pilot programmes, involving cooperation north and south, aimed at reducing inequality in education. It is expected that Mr Martin will identify how it is possible to unlock more potential for all-island cooperation in areas such as skills, foreign direct investment and energy, with ongoing research feeding into policy.
RTÉ News
27-04-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Martin to publish new report on north-south cooperation
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will publish a significant report on the Government's Shared Island initiative, which aims to harness the potential of the Good Friday Agreement by enhancing cross-border cooperation. The latest joint ESRI-Shared Island report, entitled 'Sharing the Island: Economic and Social Challenges and Opportunities', marks four years of collaboration. In his keynote address in Dublin, it is expected that Mr Martin will point to the further €1 billion investment in the Shared Island Fund to 2035, and reflect on the strengthened ties between Ireland, the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK government. There have been 15 previous reports, and the research has examined addressing child poverty and education outcomes. It has led to pilot programmes, involving cooperation north and south, aimed at reducing inequality in education. It's expected that Mr Martin will identify how it is possible to unlock more potential for all-island cooperation in areas such as skills, foreign direct investment and energy, with ongoing research feeding into policy.
