Minister Richmond announces £6.5 million to support Irish communities in Britain
- Published on: 23 October 2025
- Last updated on: 29 October 2025
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, has announced details of over £6.5 million (just under €7.6 million) in Emigrant Support Programme grants to 110 organisations for some 192 projects supporting the Irish community in Britain.
Speaking at the Irish Embassy in London, Minister Richmond said: “Over the last 9 months, I have visited community groups in London, Coventry, Birmingham, Glasgow and the north of England. I have heard first-hand how challenging the last number of years have been. I also saw how these communities did not shy away. Your commitment, care and dedication in nurturing both our people and our shared heritage reflects the values that epitomise the very best of us.
“Behind the 110 organisations supported by the Emigrant Support Programme, there are thousands of individual stories. This funding will allow them to continue to tell those stories of lives being enhanced and connections being forged.”
Minister Richmond added: “The Tánaiste and the government are committed to an ambitious relationship with Great Britain. A common message I have heard from our communities here is real interest in supporting our work to deepen Irish-British bonds. Our diaspora have unique understanding and insights and I look forward to harnessing this goodwill to further enhance political and economic ties."
The Minister also recognised the Irish community’s contribution to the government’s new diaspora strategy: “I thank all of you here in Britain who have taken time to contribute to Ireland’s future relationship with our diaspora, be it at the consultations in Glasgow, Warrington or London, or through the Global Irish Survey, which I launched here in London in July and which has received over 10,000 responses from around the world. It was important that we heard from a range of voices across the community. Your insights and experience will help us shape a stronger strategy.”
Notes
Global Ireland: Ireland Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 sets out what the government will do over the next five years to support and engage with our diaspora communities around the world. The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) remains central to this commitment.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, working through Ireland’s embassy network coordinates the provision of support to communities abroad and administers the ESP. By the end of 2025, the ESP will, since it was established in 2004, have allocated over €265 million in grants to more than 900 charitable and Irish community organisations in 51 countries.
Funding outlined above does not include funding to organisations based in Ireland for projects taking place in Britain, including the GAA & Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Consultations are underway on developing our new Diaspora Strategy. In addition to a series of in-person consultations with community groups around the world, the government also hosted the first ever online consultation - The Global Irish Survey-, which received over 10,000 responses. The new Strategy will be launched at the 4th Global Irish Civic Forum that will take place in Spring 2026.
The Emigrant Support Programme funding year runs from 1 July – 30 June. Further details can be found on Emigrant Support Programme | Irish Diaspora | Ireland.ie.