Minister Calleary announces €6.2 million for Irish language and Ulster-Scots projects under Shared Island Initiative
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 23 March 2026
- Last updated on: 23 March 2026
The Minister for Rural and Community and Gaeltacht Development, Dara Calleary TD, today announced capital funding of €6.2 million for projects to support the Irish language and Ulster-Scots culture, heritage and language, as part of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative.
This announcement includes capital funding of up to €4.8 million in total over 4 years for An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, to co-fund Irish-language community projects in Northern Ireland. Also announced is capital funding of over €1.4 million for the North West Cultural Partnership, to co-fund delivery of the Cultural Embrace capital project in Derry City.
Funding is provided through the Government’s Shared Island Fund – with a total of €6m confirmed in February 2025 to support Irish language and Ulster Scots language, culture and heritage projects – as well as contributions from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, which will oversee the delivery of the funding, in cooperation with partners in Northern Ireland.
The projects being progressed with the funding announced today will support the linguistic, social, economic and cultural enhancement of Irish language and Ulster-Scots communities in Northern Ireland and in border counties.
Announcing the funding today, Minister Dara Calleary TD, said:
"I am delighted to announce this significant capital funding today as part of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative to enhance co-operation, relationships and mutual understanding on the island of Ireland. The funding will contribute to a range of projects that create lasting community and cultural benefits for the Irish-speaking and Ulster-Scots communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
“It is important that we support organisations across the island who are working to bring people and communities together, including through the Irish language and Ulster Scots language, culture and heritage traditions. I look forward to seeing the projects being developed by An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge and North West Cultural Partnership come to fruition, enhancing local communities and our cultural connections across the island.”