5 October 2026

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has written to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste ahead of Budget 2027, calling on the Irish Government to accelerate all-island economic integration, expand investment through the Shared Island Fund, and begin serious planning for the future.

The SDLP has warned that the Northern Ireland Executive's failure to agree a budget for the current year, as well as a multi-year budget, is creating uncertainty for public services, infrastructure projects and businesses.

Claire Hanna MP said:

“Recent tensions around the Garvaghy Road and continued uncertainty at Stormont underline the need for sustained leadership and long-term investment.

"The continued absence of a short-term, never mind a long-term financial plan in Northern Ireland, is having profound consequences across society. But political dysfunction in the North should not be a barrier to the development of the all-island economy, or the prosperity of our people."

"Greater economic integration should happen by design rather than by accident. The Irish Government has an opportunity through this Budget to accelerate practical cooperation today while building the success and capacity needed for tomorrow, and the SDLP’s “no regret” proposals provide a way to enhance the all-island economy that support the potential for constitutional change in the future.

“We have called for the establishment of an All-Island Economic Task Force, major investment in the Belfast-Dublin and Derry-Letterkenny economic corridors, faster delivery of all-island rail and transport projects, a new cross-border skills and mobility programme, and increased support for all-island research, innovation and enterprise partnerships to help businesses, workers and students seize opportunities across the island.

"At a time of renewed political tension and continued uncertainty around government in Northern Ireland, there is a strong case for building the momentum for a better future. 

“The route to achieve a New Ireland is through making Northern Ireland work today for those of us on this side of the border in persuading people that this delivers the best chance of success for our people, but it is also essential that the Irish Government prepare for a different constitutional future, and our proposals provide a plan which has “no regrets” aimed at delivering the best outcomes regardless of what that future looks like.”