Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs marked the 25th anniversary of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) with a commemorative speech delivered in Armagh. The historic event celebrated a quarter century of cross-border cooperation, reflecting on the progress made since the Council’s establishment under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
The Tánaiste, who attended the inaugural NSMC plenary meeting as Minister for Education and Science, spoke passionately about the Council’s achievements, challenges, and its continued importance in fostering collaboration between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
A Legacy of Partnership
The NSMC was created as part of the Good Friday Agreement to facilitate cooperation across a range of areas between the two jurisdictions. Recalling the inaugural meeting, held in the same venue 25 years ago, the Tánaiste highlighted the profound significance of elected officials from both sides of the border gathering to work for the common good.
Quoting the late Seamus Mallon, the Tánaiste reflected on his words from that first meeting: “There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.” For Mallon, that idea was partnership—between communities in Northern Ireland and between North and South.
Transformative Achievements
The Tánaiste outlined the Council’s accomplishments over the last 25 years, emphasizing the impact on everyday lives across the island:
- Economic Growth: Cross-border trade has more than tripled since 1998, reaching €11.5 billion annually. InterTradeIreland’s programs have been instrumental in supporting SMEs and fostering entrepreneurship.
- Peacebuilding and Community Investment: The Special EU Programmes Body has delivered transformative initiatives under the PEACE and INTERREG programs. The €1.1 billion PEACEPlus initiative, launched recently, marks the largest program of its kind.
- Health and Wellbeing: SafeFood has promoted food safety and healthy eating across the island, while cross-border health collaborations have enhanced services for citizens.
- Cultural and Environmental Preservation: Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster Scots Agency have celebrated and preserved linguistic and cultural traditions, while Waterways Ireland has developed over 1,000 km of waterways, benefiting local communities and visitors alike.
- Tourism and Connectivity: Tourism Ireland’s efforts have brought millions of visitors to the island, while projects like the Ulster Canal restoration and the Narrow Water Bridge demonstrate the commitment to enhancing cross-border infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
The Tánaiste reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to furthering cooperation through the NSMC and the Shared Island Initiative, which he launched as Taoiseach in 2020. The initiative has driven significant cross-border investment, including in the Ulster University campus at Magee and the restoration of the Ulster Canal.
Reflecting on the interconnectedness of the three strands of the Good Friday Agreement—North-South cooperation, East-West relations, and internal Northern Ireland dynamics—the Tánaiste emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
A Tribute to Dedication
The Tánaiste paid tribute to the work of the NSMC Joint Secretariat, past and present, and acknowledged the contributions of the late Joint Secretaries Shane O’Neill and Peter Smyth. He expressed gratitude to those involved in cross-border organizations, civil society, and local communities for their role in advancing the Council’s mission.
As the Council looks ahead to 2025, with a packed schedule of plenary and sectoral meetings, the Tánaiste urged a renewed commitment to addressing shared challenges and seizing opportunities for cooperation.
“Let us renew our mission this evening,” the Tánaiste concluded, “our commitment to further North-South consultation, cooperation, and action. Together, we can continue to make a tangible difference to the lives of communities across this Shared Home Place.”
A Legacy to Build On
The 25th anniversary of the NSMC stands as a testament to the resilience of partnership and the transformative power of collaboration. As the Council enters its next chapter, it remains a cornerstone of the peace and progress envisioned in the Good Friday Agreement.