The Irish government announced capital funding of €6.2 million for projects supporting the Irish language and Ulster-Scots culture, heritage and language. The allocation forms part of the Shared Island Initiative.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, confirmed the funding. It includes up to €4.8 million over four years for An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge to co-fund Irish-language community projects in Northern Ireland. Over €1.4 million goes to the North West Cultural Partnership for the Cultural Embrace capital project in Derry City.

The funding comes through the Shared Island Fund, with €6 million confirmed in February 2025 for Irish language and Ulster-Scots projects. Contributions also come from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, which will oversee delivery.

Dara Calleary TD stated the funding aims to enhance co-operation, relationships and mutual understanding on the island of Ireland. He noted it will support projects creating lasting community and cultural benefits for Irish-speaking and Ulster-Scots communities in Northern Ireland and border counties.

West Belfast MLA Aisling Reilly welcomed the investment in Irish language projects in the North. She described it as support for the language's ongoing development.