Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed confirmation that four cross-border greenway schemes — Sligo–Enniskillen, Derry to Buncrana, Warrenpoint to Newcastle and Lifford to Derry — have been identified for funding.

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.

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"Funding of £40,000 has already been allocated to Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) to support preliminary design development work support for 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."

Initial allocations include Department of Transport Shared Island funding of €25,000/£21,581 alongside £20,000/€23,200 from the Department for Infrastructure to progress preliminary design for the Warrenpoint–Newcastle route. In 2026, approximately €350,000/£302,125 will support Sligo–Enniskillen, with €260,000/£224,463 for Derry–Buncrana and €137,500/£118,706 for Lifford–Derry.

Further Department for Infrastructure contributions are planned for 2026 and 2027, subject to the public expenditure approval process and budget availability. Ireland's Department of Transport has also committed to funding greenway schemes in Ireland to a minimum of 50%, with the flexibility to reallocate funding if unforeseen issues arise.

The Derry–Buncrana and Lifford–Derry routes will complement the North West Greenway Network, expanding active travel links between Derry and Donegal. Funding will be administered by the Department of Transport to Donegal County Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

The Shared Island Greenways Development Fund was established in November 2025 to advance greenway projects in the border region.