Minister Dara Calleary TD confirms €6.2m capital funding for Irish and Ulster-Scots languages

Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed capital funding of €6.2mm for projects supporting the Irish language and Ulster-Scots culture, heritage, and language under the Government’s Shared Island Initiative.

The allocation includes up to €4.8m over four years for An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge to co-fund Irish-language community projects in the six counties, along with over €1.4m for the North West Cultural Partnership to support the Cultural Embrace capital project in Derry City. Funding comes from the Shared Island Fund, with €6m confirmed in February 2025, plus contributions from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The projects aim to advance linguistic, social, economic, and cultural development in Irish-language and Ulster-Scots communities in the six counties and border regions.

An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, established in 2010, backs capital projects in arts, culture, family centres, Cultúrlann facilities, and community development. The North West Cultural Partnership, formed in 2016, oversees the Newgate Arts and Culture Centre in Derry, opened late 2023, with the Cultural Embrace project expanding space for visiting students, artists, and cross-border collaborations.

Dara Calleary shared “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.” Dara Calleary TD shared “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.”