SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed a series of funding announcements under the Irish Government’s Shared Island Unit that will address strategic infrastructure projects.

The SDLP Leader helped to shape the Shared Island Unit concept in discussions with former Taoiseach Micheál Martin in 2019/20 to deliver greater cooperation on cross border projects and investment initiatives.

Mr Eastwood said that Executive Ministers now need to publish their own commitments and delivery plans for key projects.

Speaking following today’s announcement Colum Eastwood MP said:

“The funding announced by the Irish Government today as part of the Shared Island Unit commitment to strategic infrastructure and cultural projects is significant and should help to supercharge some of these projects that have been talked about for years. This demonstrates the real benefit of closer North-South cooperation on projects and initiatives that matter to people and it’s one of the key reasons we pushed to develop the unit in the Taoiseach’s office. What we need now is for Executive Ministers to publish their own commitments and delivery plans.

“The commitment to the A5 is substantial and is higher than previously reported, underscoring the urgent need to get this road built. The SDLP has been making this case for over twenty years and Daniel McCrossan in particular has been a vocal advocate for urgent action to fix one of Ireland’s most dangerous roads.

“I also welcome the financial commitment to Casement Park - this will be a transformative project for West Belfast and for Ulster GAA, stimulating investment in a community that deserves it. It is time to put narrow politics aside and get behind redeveloping this site which will bring one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the world to the North and provide a permanent home for Gaels in Ulster.

“The SDLP Opposition at Westminster, in Stormont and in councils across the North will now be pressing for detailed delivery plans to make sure these projects happen quickly. No more hanging about, it’s time to get things done.”