Secretary of State announces additional funding for International Fund for Ireland

The announcement comes during his visit to the United States for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The Secretary of State will meet with IFI Chair, Paddy Harte, and participants on the IFI’s AMBIT capacity building programme, as part of his programme of wider engagement with key US stakeholders who share an interest in Northern Ireland’s peace and prosperity.

Along with other international partners, the United States has been a strong supporter of the IFI since its establishment by the Irish Government and the UK Government in 1986.

The UK contribution will assist the Fund in its work to tackle the causes of division in Northern Ireland, support dialogue, and promote reconciliation, and will help communities as they continue to emerge from the challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The contribution is part of a wider UK Government commitment of over £3.5 billion through the New Deal for NI, City Deals, PEACE Plus and the financial package laid out in the New Decade, New Approach agreement, in addition to funding schemes to drive forward the economy and offer new opportunities for further investment in people, communities and infrastructure.

Announcing the funding contribution, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP said:

“I’m proud that we will continue to support the work of the International Fund for Ireland, which works tirelessly to promote reconciliation and integration between and within communities across Northern Ireland and in the border areas of Ireland.

“It is a clear demonstration of the UK Government’s commitment to supporting community and reconciliation initiatives that bring people together to build a safer, more secure and more prosperous society.”