The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI), published in December 2005, earmarked up to £16bn between 2005 and 2015 for infrastructure and accommodation projects over a variety of sectors including health, roads, education, water, waste and arts and sports. A new 10-year ISNI is in preparation to focus on, among other things, potential north-south projects.
In October 2006, the UK and Irish governments announced an important cross-border initiative on economic cooperation. This should result in major investment for infrastructure, healthcare and energy links in Northern Ireland, which will be funded jointly by both governments. Projects north of the border have the potential to benefit communities in the south and it is thought that ‘joined-up planning’ will deliver better value for money and promote regional development.
