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The Irish government has committed €2 million (£1.76 million) to reinstate flights between Dublin and Londonderry starting next year. This announcement was part of a wider funding package exceeding €50 million (£44 million), made under the Shared Island initiative. Spearheaded by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the initiative’s goal is to bolster economic ties across both sides of the border. The government has also doubled its investment in the fund, pledging €2 billion (£1.76 billion) towards projects until 2035.
The new Dublin to Londonderry air route is planned as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, meaning it will receive government support because it may not be financially viable commercially. Initially funded through the Shared Island Fund, the service will begin for a fixed term before undergoing a review after two years. This initiative revives a previous daily flight operating between City of Derry Airport and Dublin, which was cancelled in 2011. Officials hope the route will improve accessibility to the northwest region, especially while upgrades are ongoing for the A5 road corridor. Additionally, €5.9 million (£5.2 million) will be allocated for enhancing cross-border emergency services, focusing on flood response and technical rescue efforts.
Another significant portion of the Shared Island funding will benefit arts and cultural projects, with €14.5 million (£12.8 million) earmarked for the Creative Ireland-Shared Island programme between 2026 and 2028. This includes plans for the development of a new theatre in Newry. The proposed project involves demolishing and rebuilding the existing arts centre, refurbishing the adjoining Town Hall, and connecting the two buildings. This theatre rebuilding forms part of a broader regeneration scheme for Newry, linked to the local council and the Belfast region city deal. Although initial construction was planned for summer 2025, delays have occurred partly due to objections related to the Civic Centre development. The Irish government’s new funding commitment, estimated to be just under €5 million, could enable the theatre project to move forward independently from the Civic Centre, potentially speeding up the timeline.
Local supporters have expressed optimism about these developments. A spokeswoman from Derry City and Strabane District Council described the air service as a strategic opportunity to enhance business and tourism connections. Steve Bradley from the Into The West group highlighted the poor state of transport infrastructure in the northwest, welcoming the flight as a vital addition. Meanwhile, Sean Treanor of Newpoint Players in Newry shared how the closure of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre over five years ago has left local drama groups struggling for rehearsal and performance spaces. He called the government’s announcement a long-awaited moment of “surprise and delight” after years of delays and setbacks. The funding package also includes a €6.4 million (£5.64 million) investment toward a cross-border Bovine TB cooperation programme, underlining efforts to foster collaboration and connectivity across the island
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