Written answers

Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Department of An Taoiseach

Cross-Border Co-operation

Photo of Shane MoynihanShane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

52. To ask the Taoiseach if an allocation will be ringfenced from the Shared Island Initiative funding to further cross-Border sporting initiatives in the years ahead. [55022/25]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Shared Island Initiative is taken forward on a whole of Government basis, by all Ministers and their Departments and coordinated by my Department’s Shared Island Unit.

With regard to cross-border sports initiatives, our Programme for Government affirms that we will promote an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events, building on the Major International Events policy, including supporting the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Euro 2028, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2030, the Open Championships and bidding for major competitions.

More broadly, sports infrastructure in each jurisdiction is supported by the Government through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and in Northern Ireland by Executive and UK Government funding streams.

In February 2024, the Government approved up to €50 million from the Shared Island Fund to contribute to construction of a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast, as a landmark sports infrastructure project for the city.

In addition, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs supports grassroots, cross-border projects across a wide range of sectors, including sport.

In addition, the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme is supporting the rollout of public EV charge points at community sports clubs across the island of Ireland.

Photo of Shane MoynihanShane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

53. To ask the Taoiseach if there are specific cross-Border sporting initiatives, beyond the sports club EV charger scheme, envisaged as part of the Shared Island initiative. [55023/25]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Shared Island Initiative is taken forward on a whole of Government basis, by all Ministers and their Departments and coordinated by my Department’s Shared Island Unit.

With regard to cross-border sports initiatives, our Programme for Government affirms that we will promote an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events, building on the Major International Events policy, including supporting the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Euro 2028, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2030, the Open Championships and bidding for major competitions.

More broadly, sports infrastructure in each jurisdiction is supported by the Government through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and in Northern Ireland by Executive and UK Government funding streams.

In February 2024, the Government approved up to €50 million from the Shared Island Fund to contribute to construction of a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast, as a landmark sports infrastructure project for the city.

In addition, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs supports grassroots, cross-border projects across a wide range of sectors, including sport.

These are in addition to the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme, which is supporting the rollout of public EV charge points at community sports clubs across the island of Ireland.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.