Wednesday, 3 Jul 2024

Cross-Border Co-operation

Questions (25, 26)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

25. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach for an update on the work of the shared island initiative by his Department. [27028/24]

View answer

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

26. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will list the projects funded through the shared island initiative of his Department. [27030/24]

View answer

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.

The Government continues to prioritise and progress the Shared Island initiative, working with all communities and political traditions for a shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.

Shared Island investment commitments are taken forward by Ministers, working with their Northern Ireland Executive and British Government counterparts, and with Local Authority, Education and Civil Society partners across the island. A full list of Shared Island Fund allocations to date is provided in tabular form.

The Shared Island Unit is also coordinating a wide-ranging research programme, and fostering inclusive civic dialogue on common concerns for the future.

Shared Island Fund allocations as of June 2024

Development of two new all-island bioeconomy demonstrator facilities - €7m Taken forward by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Pilot cooperation programme on educational attainment - €24m Taken forward by the Minister for Education in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Shared Island Enterprise scheme - €30m Taken forward by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Shared Island dimension to Community Climate Action Programme - €3m Taken forward by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications

Shared Island Civic Society Fund - €2m (total €3m fund including D/FA contribution)

Taken forward by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

North South Research Programme contribution (rounds 1 and 2, 2022-2027) - €50m Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Ulster University - new teaching and student services building in Derry - €44.5m Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science in cooperation with Executive counterpart and Ulster University

All-Island Co-Centres for Research and Innovation contribution - €20m Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in cooperation with Executive and UK Government counterparts

Construction of respite and therapeutic centre for children diagnosed with cancer from across the island - €2.5m Taken forward by the Minister for Health

Construction of the Narrow Water Bridge - €107m plus VAT. Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Phases 2 and 3 Ulster Canal restoration contribution - €47m Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Cross-border innovation hub - €12m - Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Local Authority partners

All-island peatlands and biosecurity projects - €11m Taken forward by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in cooperation with Executive and Scottish Government counterparts

Shared Island Local Authority development funding scheme - €5m Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Renewed visitor experience at the Battle of the Boyne site - €10m Taken forward by the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works

Casement Park redevelopment contribution - €50m Taken forward by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Shared Island dimension to Creative Ireland and cultural heritage projects - €8m Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Tourism brand collaboration project - €7.6m Taken forward by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in cooperation with Executive counterpart

All-Island arts capital investment projects - €7.4m Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Electric Vehicle charging point scheme for Sports Clubs across the island - €15m Taken forward by the Minister for Transport

Introduction of an hourly rail service between Dublin and Belfast - €12.5m Taken forward by the Minister for Transport

Completion of the cross-border Carlingford Lough Greenway - €1.5m Taken forward by the Minister for Transport in cooperation with Executive counterpart

Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 25.

Questions Nos. 27 to 31, inclusive, resubmitted.

Ukraine War

Questions (32)

Seán Haughey

Question:

32. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland. [27040/24]

View answer

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I attended the Summit on Peace in Ukraine hosted by Switzerland on 15/16 June, together with over 50 other world leaders and over 100 countries and international organisations.

The Summit agreed a joint Communiqué, signed by most countries participating, which makes clear that any just and lasting peace must be based on the principles of the UN Charter, respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.

The Summit also agreed a path for follow up on areas where there is broad agreement, including food security, nuclear safety, and the return of prisoners, children and civilians.

I participated in a roundtable discussion on humanitarian issues, especially the appalling and unacceptable removal by Russia of thousands of Ukrainian children from their homes and families.

This is a war-crime and they must be returned home immediately.

While there was a very large turnout at the Summit, there were notable absences from parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and not all attending opted to join the Communiqué.

We need to continue reach out to the global south, in particular, to increase understanding of the fundamental principles at stake.

If Russia’s invasion is allowed to stand, then none of us can rely on the basic commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty promised in the UN Charter.

In the EU, we must be clear that we will be resolute, and that we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

At the Summit, I also met bilaterally with other Leaders, including President Boriç of Chile and Prime Minister Frieden of Luxembourg.

My many informal engagements included Vice President Harris of the United States, British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Zamora of Andorra.

Questions Nos. 33 to 40, inclusive, resubmitted.