Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, and Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins MLA have announced funding for four greenway projects within the border region. The financial allocation is provided via the Shared Island Greenways Development Fund, which was established by the Government of Ireland in November 2025 to advance greenway infrastructure along the border.

The fund aims to support the National Development Plan's strategic objective to build an island-wide greenway network connecting the Atlantic coast to the Eastern seaboard. The confirmed funding for the 2026 and 2027 periods will be combined with other funding streams to advance the planning and design stages of four specific routes: Sligo to Enniskillen, Lifford to Derry, Derry to Buncrana, and Warrenpoint to Newcastle. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "I am very pleased to announce funding to advance development of four greenway schemes in the border region through the Shared Island Greenways Development Fund. This funding will help progress four schemes – Sligo to Enniskillen, Lifford to Derry, Derry to Buncrana and Warrenpoint to Newcastle – through design and planning phases. Building on the success of the Carlingford Lough Greenway and the North West Greenway Network, the development of these new routes will improve connectivity, generate sustainable tourism and recreation, and boost the local economy in each region. This is also an important step towards creating an island-wide greenway network to link the Atlantic coast with the Eastern seaboard across the border region – a key objective under the revised National Development Plan."

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien commented: "Greenways have represented a tremendous success for rural Ireland showcasing our beautiful landscape, bringing visitors to overlooked areas and helping small local businesses to thrive as well as providing an outdoor recreational facility that all members of the community can enjoy. I welcome today's funding announcement for Greenways in the border region which reflects the Government's commitment to balanced regional development and all island collaboration through the Shared Island initiative. This fund will support local authorities in delivering these projects."

Minister for Infrastructure in the Northern Ireland Executive, Liz Kimmins, stated: "Through collaborative working with our counterparts in the Government of Ireland, I'm delighted that funding has been identified to further expand our cross-border greenway network and to build on the success achieved to date. Cross-border greenways provide a transformative opportunity to enhance sustainable transport, tourism and regional connectivity. This funding demonstrates commitment to further develop sustainable transport on a cross-border basis. This all enhances the island of Ireland as a place where people want to live and work, to visit and invest."

The schemes are intended to enhance the regional appeal of the border areas, encouraging extended visitor stays and driving economic benefits for local communities through improved recreational and transport infrastructure.