Good Friday Committee to receive an update on the work of the Shared Island Unit

Officials from the Department of An Taoiseach, Aingeal O'Donoghue (Assistant Secretary) and Eoghan Duffy (Principal Officer), will appear at the Committee.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said: “We look forward to receiving an update on the work to date of the Shared Island Unit which was established in 2020. A comprehensive report published recently - ‘Shared Island Initiative in 2022 – Action on a Shared Future’ set out how the Government has taken forward the initiative this year through a programme of public investment cooperation, research and dialogue with representatives of all communities and traditions.”

“The three main elements of the Government’s Shared Island initiative are to move forward long-standing and new cross-border investments, enabled by the Shared Island Fund, commission and publish research to help deepen understanding of the whole island and Engage with all communities through a comprehensive dialogue series.”

“This Committee is acutely aware of the positive impact cross border projects can have on local communities and in enhancing better connections and relations North and South; East and West.”

“There is a need for the Shared Island Unit to work in an ambitious, sustained, comprehensive way to realise the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement, and to deepen cooperation and societal connections across the island."

“As we continue to reflect on the 25th anniversary of the Agreement, we look forward to discussing the Units progress to date and its priorities for the year ahead.”

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