Kimmins welcomes funding for four cross border greenways

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed an announcement by the Irish Government that four cross border greenways have been identified to receive funding from the 2 million Shared Island Greenways Development Fund.  

Funding for 2026 and 2027 has now been confirmed for Sligo-Enniskillen, Derry to Buncrana, Warrenpoint to Newcastle and Lifford-Derry projects. 

Minister Kimmins said: Through collaborative working with our counterparts in the Government of Ireland, I'm delighted that funding has been identified to explore further expansion 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 all-island 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 to invest.

My officials have been working closely with colleagues in both the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to identify and develop a coherent network of cross border greenways. This vision has been supported by the findings of a recent cross-border greenway feasibility study, including the identification of potential linkages to existing active travel networks in both jurisdictions. 

Funding of £40,000 has already been allocated to Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) to support a technical feasibility study of the proposed Warrenpoint to Newcastle (via Kilkeel) greenway, including a £20,000 allocation from my Department. This scheme will seek to build upon the success of the Carlingford Lough Greenway to extend the network and help showcase the beautiful landscapes of County Down and this border region.

Notes to editors:

1. The Shared Island Greenways Development Fund was established in November 2025 to support the progression of greenway projects in the border region.
2. Department of Transport Shared Island Funding of 25,000/£21,581 and Department for Infrastructure funding of £20,000/23,200 has been confirmed to progress preliminary design development work on a proposed greenway route between Warrenpoint and Newcastle in County Down.  Department of Transport Shared Island Funding of approximately 350,000/ £302,125 will be available to the Sligo to Enniskillen project in 2026. 260,000/ £224,463 will be available to support the Derry to Buncrana scheme and 137,500/£118,706 will be available to support the Lifford to Derry scheme.
3. Further DFI funding will be available in 2026 and 2027, subject to the public expenditure approval process and future budget availability. The Department of Transport has also committed to providing funding to support greenway schemes in Ireland (to a minimum of 50%). Funding may be subject to reallocation between schemes in the event of any unforeseen issues that impact on progress.
4. The Derry to Buncrana greenway and the Lifford to Derry Greenway will complement the North West Greenway Network which has delivered cross-border greenway and active travel connectivity between Derry and Donegal.
5. Funding will be administered by the Department of Transport to the relevant local authorities 1. Donegal County Council, 2. Derry City and Strabane District Council, 3. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and 4. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.