Taoiseach sets out €2bn shared island fund as Narrow Water Bridge takes shape

The Taoiseach said the bridge would do more than connect two shores for communities on both sides of the lough. He said: "It will bring communities closer, strengthen links between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula and help to unlock new opportunities for recreation, sustainable tourism and economic development across the region."

Deputy Brendan Smith raised Border tourism and the Cuilcagh UNESCO Geopark. The Taoiseach said Deputy Smith had first brought the issue to his attention and that the shared island initiative had enabled the site to be purchased by the State to create, in essence, a nationally controlled park, adding: "We are now developing a tourism project there as well."

There are also other tourism projects, particularly in Carlingford and Mourne, to complement the bridge so those areas become destinations in future from a tourism perspective. The Taoiseach told Deputy Smith he heard him loud and clear on the central Border region, describing a study of the region as extremely important for economic output and activity to benefit North and South.

On 23 June, the Government made a funding commitment of more than €377 million from the shared island fund to resource 12 new projects to be delivered as part of the initiative. The Taoiseach presented the package as part of the wider €2 billion commitment to 2035.

For the environment, he said a total of €33 million was allocated to improving water quality in the Lough Neagh catchment area, now under way until 2031. Over €10 million is being provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and over €13 million by Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Other allocations included some €13 million for early learning skills and early learning and childcare services across the island, and €10 million for digital creative industries to strengthen those industries across the island, delivered by the Higher Education Authority and announced on 16 October. The Taoiseach also cited a €20 million sustainability challenge fund and healthcare co-operation.

Deputy Cathal Crowe pointed to cross-Border investment from the A5 upgrade to what he called the landmark €50 million investment in Casement Park, and said the success of the women's all-island cup proved cross-Border football works. He asked: "If rugby and hockey can compete, win and unite as one island on the sporting stage, why not soccer?"

Deputy Crowe asked: "Will the Taoiseach commit that the shared island unit will actively engage with both the FAI and the IFA to explore the possibility of a fully unified league structure here on this island under a single historic all-island football association that truly represents everyone across this island?" The Taoiseach said the Government did not try to prescribe or overly interfere with how sports are run, recalled that following partition both associations went their separate ways, and said shared island funding is available for cross-Border collaboration and shared programmes between soccer bodies.

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness said the Taoiseach had acknowledged the shared island initiative is not enough to prepare for Irish unity, said the conversation had gathered pace and people wanted to have their say, and asked: "Will the body that is proposed to examine the case support a proper process of planning for a united Ireland?" The Taoiseach replied: "There are lots of tricky and complex issues in respect of that." He added: "All voices are important. We have further work to do at Government level on this. We will revert as soon as the proposals are fleshed out."

Expected next step: This may change.

Deputy Crowe also raised the A5 upgrade, which the Taoiseach said the Government is fully committed to and which is being funded directly out of the national development plan. Deputy Darren O'Rourke raised the timeline for proposals on future arrangements, prompting the same reply that all voices are important and the Government will revert once proposals are fleshed out.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú raised reconciliation, which the Taoiseach said is very important, while distinguishing it from shared island work. Deputy Erin McGreehan raised the history of Omeath Park House, and the Taoiseach said: "I will engage with her in respect of that in terms of the Irish language and the heritage there."

In response to Deputy Paul Murphy, the Taoiseach said: "I will ask our public service to look at that service in Northern Ireland, with a view to seeing whether we can establish something similar here." He said different jurisdictions can do things better and can learn from each other, noting Northern Ireland had been helpful on emergency preparedness. On legacy, he said legislation implementing the framework agreement had been agreed by Government and he hoped the Minister would be able to bring it to the House.