Peadar Tóibín
Question:100. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure investment commitments made under the New Decade New Approach deal are implemented. [29399/21]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2021
Questions (100)
Written answers
On 9 January 2020, the Irish and British Governments published a new agreement, New Decade New Approach (NDNA), which was reached together with the political parties in Northern Ireland and restored the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. The Irish and UK Governments also set out their own respective commitments.
The Government has remained focussed on implementing these important commitments. They are reflected in our Programme for Government, which ensures that their delivery is at the heart of this Government’s work.
In 2020, the Government established a Shared Island Initiative and Shared Island Fund, which provides €500m for capital investment over the next five years. This funding is ring-fenced for collaborative North/South investment, and emphasises our commitment to mutually beneficial North-South cooperation on new and existing projects, as set out in the NDNA agreement.
Projects such as the Ulster Canal and the reviews of rail and air connectivity are being progressed, as is work relating to the development of Greenways including the cross-border Sligo-Enniskillen Greenway.
We will work with the Executive and the UK Government on commitments regarding third-level opportunities for young people, from across the North West, at the Ulster University Magee Campus in Derry. Proposals for the establishment of All-Island Research Centres are also being discussed.
Projects such as the Narrow Water Bridge and potential investment in research and innovation, continue to be developed, and announcements regarding these are expected this summer.
The Government has also made budgetary provisions to deliver on the language and culture commitments we made as a Government to support Irish language broadcasting, community groups, and the development of Irish language networks.
In addition, my Department’s expanded Reconciliation Fund, along with the International Fund for Ireland and the new PEACE PLUS programme for Northern Ireland and the Border counties, will provide critical funding for work on peace and reconciliation.
The first NDNA Implementation Review Meeting took place virtually on 11 January 2021. I attended together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, First Minister and deputy First Minister, and the leaders of the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive. At this meeting, we affirmed our shared commitment to the ongoing implementation of the NDNA agreement.