15 key points for NI in new Irish draft programme for government

A new draft programme for government has been agreed in the Republic of Ireland following talks between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and independent TDs.

The new draft document is expected to lead to the formation of Ireland’s next government, with Micheal Martin serving as Taoiseach until 2027.

Belfast Live has analysed the new document to identify the key pledges for people living in Northern Ireland, with funding for infrastructure projects and other measures promised.

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The promises include one billion euro to be spread over the course of the next ten years for the Shared Ireland Fund. It also contains pledges on infrastructure in Northern Ireland with the delivery of the A5 road upgrade, a new air link between Derry and Dublin, and other road connectivity projects all contained in the document.

These are the key points identified by Belfast Live for Northern Ireland:

The new Irish Government will "reaffirm its commitment to the Shared Island Fund and commit to increasing the resources available to the Fund by a further €1 billion up to 2035 to foster reconciliation, mutual respect and growth. Complete construction of the Narrow Water Bridge and support the local authorities on both sides of the Bridge in developing the new tourism opportunities it will bring. Develop the vision set out in the All-Island Rail Review, including prioritising delivery of the FourNorth project into and out of Connolly Station. Improve connectivity with the Northwest by working with the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver the A5 road upgrade. Further enhance road connectivity to and from the North-West. Establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports. Introduce a new John Hume Fund in honour of one of Ireland’s greatest ever patriots and only member of the European Parliament to win a Nobel Prize. This is to be awarded annually by that Parliament to a person or organisation who promotes reconciliation and shared prosperity in Europe.

Fund Northern Ireland students to participate in the Erasmus programme in Ireland and across the EU

Deepen collaboration between the healthcare systems on the island, building on the model and success of the all-island paediatric cardiac service into other bespoke all-island services

Develop an all-island plan to improve water basin management, water quality and nature restoration

On dealing with the legacy of the Troubles, the draft programme promises that the new government will

Work with victims’ groups, political parties and the British Government to develop a fit-for-purpose mechanism to seek truth and justice for victims and their families. Support the work of the Independent Reporting Commission. Play our full part in legacy processes and address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction, including facilitating and supporting the Omagh Inquiry. Support the PEACEPLUS and Interreg programmes to assist communities across the island, and commence planning for successor programme. Increase Irish Government investment in community-level reconciliation through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund. Advocate for the re-establishment and full operation of a Northern Ireland Civic Forum as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement.

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