Six projects awarded grant funding

Pictured (L-R) are Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin, alongside Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke and Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has announced six successful projects under the €20m Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant scheme, marking a significant boost for decarbonisation and sustainable enterprise across the island of Ireland.

Funded through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, the Sustainability Capital Grant forms part of the wider €30m Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, delivered in partnership by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Of the total funding, €20m has been allocated specifically to support capital investment in sustainable technologies, with €10m available in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scheme is leveraging more than €63.5m in private sector investment, accelerating the transition to low-carbon industrial operations.

The grants will enable companies to undertake major capital projects that integrate innovative technologies to decarbonise high-emission processes, improve energy efficiency and support long-term sustainable growth.

All-island collaboration on climate

Speaking at the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling shared climate challenges. He said the scheme demonstrates the value of all-island cooperation in meeting common climate goals, adding that each of the six projects will combine public and private investment to introduce innovative solutions that support sustainable growth and quality jobs across the island.

Minister Peter Burke said the approved projects represent a diverse range of disruptive technologies and business models that will help enterprises capitalise on emerging growth sectors while delivering on net zero commitments, decarbonisation and digital transformation. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing Shared Island investment priorities in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Driving productivity and innovation

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the scheme supports her department’s economic vision by increasing productivity and accelerating decarbonisation through investment in innovation, helping to build a globally competitive and sustainable economy.

Three companies in Ireland have been approved for funding: Aurivo – which will install a first-of-its-kind technology for the dairy processing sector to decarbonise high-temperature processes; Ecocem – which will integrate recycled crushed glass with ground granulated blast furnace slag to produce a high-performance, low-carbon cement; and Gannon Eco – which will scale up a process to treat and recycle previously untreatable hazardous acid waste.

In Northern Ireland, support has been offered to O&S Doors – for renewable heat and energy investment; Capper Trading – for the creation of a renewable energy hub; and Cemcor – for low-carbon cement development.

Leaders of Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland all welcomed the awards, noting that the scheme demonstrates the power of cross-border collaboration to drive innovation, improve sustainability and support the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.

Further details on the funded projects are expected to be announced in the coming months.