Louth County Council warmly welcomes the Government’s announcement of over €50 million in Shared Island funding, including significant investment in the sustainable tourism development of Carlingford Lough.
Up to €23 million has been allocated to the ‘Shared Destinations Project’, which will see Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Tourism Ireland collaborate with local authorities to develop sustainable tourism amenities across the border region.
Carlingford Lough is a key focus of this initiative, with plans to develop trailheads, trails, and water access points to enhance connectivity and promote cross-border tourism. This investment will capitalise on the benefits of the Narrow Water Bridge, which is currently under construction, as a central driver for increased tourism and recreation in the region.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, hailed the announcement as a transformative step for the region: “This investment represents a major opportunity to elevate Carlingford Lough as a premier sustainable tourism destination. As we progress towards the completion of the Narrow Water Bridge, this funding will ensure we fully realise its potential. The increased connectivity between north and south will not only attract visitors but also create long-term economic and social benefits for local communities.”
The Shared Island initiative also includes significant funding for arts and cultural heritage programmes, civic society cooperation, and island-wide nature restoration projects. These investments will strengthen cross-border collaboration and enhance the quality of life for communities on both sides of the border.
Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, saying: “Louth County Council is dedicated to working with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and other key partners to ensure this funding delivers maximum impact. Earlier this week, we launched a new tourism strategy for County Louth, reinforcing our commitment to building a stronger, more connected region in the northeast and beyond.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment Peter Burke TD highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative: “The Shared Island initiative delivers significant funding to strengthen cross-border links, and these tourism projects will drive substantial economic and social benefits to communities across the region through the development of trails and the improvement of amenities. Tourism is a proven economic engine, and this major investment will support new businesses and employment opportunities while building on the existing collaboration of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Tourism Ireland in developing and marketing these regions.”
Welcoming the investment, Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland said: “This significant investment announced for County Louth is a positive step in further unlocking the untapped tourism potential that exists in the border region. We look forward to working with Louth County Council to realise these exciting plans which will sustainably strengthen the tourism offering in Ireland's Ancient East region, making it more attractive for visitors, and providing economic and employment benefits to the local community.”
