Taoiseach, Minister Burke and Minister Archibald announce 13 successful projects under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme

Photo caption: The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland

The Coast-to-Coast Investment Scheme is part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project being delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the project which aims to support the enhancement of visitor experiences and create synergies across the iconic Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route in the North West and North Coast regions.

A total of almost €2.7million was allocated under the Scheme to support the development and enhancement of existing visitor attractions and experiences across counties Donegal, Sligo and parts of Leitrim on the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as counties Derry and Antrim along the Causeway Coastal Route.

Following a competitive application process, a total of 13 projects have been approved by Tourism Agencies for funding across the two jurisdictions. The investments will enable comprehensive upgrades at the existing attractions and experiences including advanced interpretation, enriched storytelling, and substantial improvements to visitor experience infrastructure. These developments will strengthen the appeal of the attractions and the two iconic routes, while encouraging visitors to further explore the regions, extend their stay, and generate greater economic benefits for local communities.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “I am very pleased to announce funding to 13 projects to enhance visitor experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route as part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand collaboration project being delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.

“Cross-border cooperation and connection between businesses is a powerful driver of mutual prosperity across both jurisdictions on the island. Through the Shared Island Initiative, we are working to enhance and enable these connections and grow the all-island economy, including through sustainable tourism.

“I wish every funded project success and look forward to visiting the enhanced experiences across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry and Antrim in the time ahead”.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said: “This announcement represents a tangible step forward in our commitment to all-island tourism collaboration through the Shared Island initiative. The successful projects under the Coast-to-Coast Investment will enhance the visitor experience at key attractions, helping to tell our shared stories in compelling ways.

“This investment reflects the government’s commitment to balanced regional development, as set out in A New Era for Irish Tourism: National Tourism Policy Statement. By backing projects in every part of the island, we are ensuring that tourism growth delivers real benefits for local communities and helps build a more competitive, resilient and regionally balanced visitor economy for the future.”

Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy in the Northern Ireland Executive, said: “Tourism is an important economic sector for the north and one that I am committed to supporting. The opportunities that come from collaboration north and south, in developing our all-island tourism offering is central to this.

“I welcome this funding to enhance some of our existing visitor attractions and experiences in Derry and Antrim, better connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way. The funding will help attract more visitors, who will stay longer and spend more, boosting our regional economy and supporting our local communities.”

**The successful projects in Northern Ireland are Derry Girls Experience, Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Museum of Free Derry, The Courthouse, Bushmills and The Gobbins