Write a commentAn announcement of €500m in yesterday's Irish Government Budget for a Shared Island Fund has been welcomed by political representatives here. Locally the finance could be used in the delivery of the Narrow Water Bridge as well as achieving greater connectivity and enhanced north south co-operation.
Announcing the fund Taoiseach Micheál Martin said "The Shared Island Fund will foster new investment and development opportunities on a North/South basis and support the delivery of key cross-border infrastructure initiatives set out in the Programme for Government.
"It also opens the way for investing in new all-island initiatives in areas such as research, health, education and the environment, in addressing the particular challenges of the North West and Border communities, achieving greater connectivity on the island and enhancing the all-island economy and all aspects of North South cooperation."
Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan welcomed the Budget announcement though he said that more investment will be needed to deliver key strategic projects.
The Sinn Féin Infrastructure Spokesperson said “The announcement by the Irish Government that €500m will be committed to cross border infrastructure projects as part of the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ is a welcome development.
“However, much more investment must be committed to develop connectivity between North and South.
“Some key cross border infrastructure projects include the A5, Narrow Water Bridge, Derry-Belfast-Dublin-Limerick-Cork high speed rail, Sligo-Enniskillen Greenway and the Ulster Canal connection.
“Enhancing the connectivity of our all-Ireland infrastructure is crucial to maximising our economic potential as an island.
“Investment in all Ireland infrastructure cannot be a footnote in the plans of the Irish Government, but must be a central and core component of its work.
“Sinn Féin will continue to challenge the Irish government to ensure this funding is delivered and these key projects go ahead.”
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has also expressed her delight at the announcement.
Minister Mallon said “I am delighted to see the Irish Government has committed to such significant investment for the delivery of all island infrastructure projects. For many years the potential of the North-South strand of the Good Friday Agreement has been largely neglected. Critical investment in our infrastructure on projects such as Narrow Water Bridge and the A5 as set out in New Decade, New Approach will transform our island economy not least in the face of Covid, Brexit, and the climate emergency.
"Today’s announcement of 500million for the work of the Taoiseach’s new Shared Island Unit in the advancement of key infrastructure projects over the course of the next five years is an important step in our shared endeavour to improve the lives of our citizens right across the island.
“In New Decade New Approach, all partners committed to investing in all island infrastructure projects. People now need to see us deliver on our promises and I am pleased to see the Irish Government has stepped up in partnership.
“I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Irish Government to deliver transformative, all island, life changing infrastructure projects.”
