Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed an Irish Government commitment of up to €2 million to a Shared Island Greenways Fund, aimed at advancing a co-ordinated network of cross-border routes and exploring links between existing paths in both jurisdictions.

Minister Kimmins said: "My Department has been working closely with colleagues in both the Department of Transport (DoT) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to identify and progress a coherent network of cross border greenway schemes including the identification of potential linkages between the existing network in both jurisdictions.

"This €2 million funding from the Shared Island Fund builds on this strategic vision and will support border councils in the ongoing and future development of cross-border greenway projects.

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"Cross-border greenways provide a transformative opportunity to enhance sustainable transport, tourism and regional connectivity and my Department will continue to work closely with colleagues in DOT, TII and the relevant councils to maximise this funding opportunity to support delivery."

Alongside the greenways allocation, the Minister also welcomed €5.9 million to strengthen cross-border emergency management capacity for flood response and technical rescue operations.

Minister Kimmins added: "Changing weather patterns are bringing warmer temperatures, heavier rainfall and, as a result, an increase in flooding and flood risk which affects us all across this island. We cannot control the weather but we can take actions to mitigate the problems our changing climate can cause. Working in partnership with our multi agency partners on an all-island basis is key to dealing with the consequences of flooding. This builds on the mutual aid arrangements already in place and I welcome this funding to the north's Fire and Rescue Service for procurement of high volume pumps and specialised flood rescue equipment which will help strengthen the multi-agency response and capability across this island."