Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is partnering in eight cross-Border projects which have received almost €1.3 million funding through the Shared Island Local Authority Development Fund.

The projects will see collaborative cross-Border investment with Border councils including Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Sligo and Carlow

The successful projects are spread across a range of themes, including tourism, heritage, economic development, business innovation and rural and urban regeneration.

The projects include an All Ireland Columban Way walking route feasibility study; capital works at the iconic Castle Saunderson, Cavan and Castle Caldwell, Fermanagh, to create a shared heritage experience; a cross-Border master plan for the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark; a feasibility study for innovation plazas in Ballyshannon and Irvinestown to foster enterprise in various sectors with cross-Border networks; a feasibility study for a regenerative tourism project along the rural Donegal-Fermanagh border; the development of sectoral SME innovation clusters and cross-Border collaborative networks; a development study for sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation at Sliabh Beagh; and an economic visioning study to identify opportunities for business and job creation arising from the future Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway.

Speaking about the funding, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “I am delighted that the Council has the opportunity to partner with five councils in the Border corridor to deliver projects which will bring tangible social, economic and environmental benefits to the district.

"The projects receiving support are innovative and cover a range of sectors and areas of the district, including rural areas, which is to be welcomed.

"The Council is committed to ensuring that the district is a great place to live, work, visit and invest in and this significant investment to deliver innovative projects helps to achieve this."

The Shared Island Fund enables local authorities on both sides of the Border to progress feasibility and development work on new joint investment projects which deliver local and regional development goals.

The projects will be completed over the next 12 months.