Taoiseach Simon Harris is visiting Derry for the first time as leader for a series of engagements with political, civic society and community leaders.
Mr Harris is expected to announce €7.6 million from the Shared Island fund for an initiative to link the 2,600km Wild Atlantic Way that runs from Kinsale in Co Cork to Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula to the Causeway Coastal Route which runs from Derry to Belfast.
The Fine Gael leader will visit the site of a new teaching and student services building being developed at the University of Ulster’s Derry campus through Shared Island funding.
While in the UU campus, Mr Harris will also deliver the annual John Hume and Thomas P O’Neill Chair Lecture.
Taoiseach Simon Harris meets Derry + Strabane mayor Lillian Seenoi Barr at start of visit to the Maiden City @rtenews @Lseenoi pic.twitter.com/OZRaTkai3w
— Vincent Kearney (@vincekearney) September 16, 2024
His first engagement was a meeting at the Guildhall with the SDLP’s Lillian Seenoi-Barr, who in June became the first black mayor of a council in Northern Ireland.
Ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration on both sides of the border.
"I am looking forward to my first official visit to Derry to see and support the very positive North-South cooperation in the North-West region, and to engage with key stakeholders with a view to further strengthening collaboration," Mr Harris said in a statement.
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During his visit, the Taoiseach was asked if Tánaiste Micheál Martin's comment that February would be an ideal time to hold the general election mean that is the most likely time it will be held.
Mr Harris replied: "I have a great relationship with the leaders of both parties, and, funnily enough, I talk to them about matters sensitive to Government directly, as opposed to respectfully with yourself as an intermediary."
Harris calls for 'momentum' on Casement Park
Mr Harris said there was a need to "look forward" in relation to Casement Park and said the Irish Government is "ready to assist".
He said he was not ruling in or out further funds from the Government for the redevelopment of the west Belfast GAA stadium.
The Taoiseach said there was "a real sense of disappointment to so many" that the British government had decided against providing the funding needed to rebuild the stadium in time to host five matches as part of the Euro 2028 football tournament.
Mr Harris said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had given "serious consideration" to the decision.
"In fairness to the new British Prime Minister, in many ways, he inherited this situation," Mr Harris said.
"He and I discussed it in July in Chequers, we discussed it in recent weeks in Farmleigh (House in Dublin), and I know he did give it serious consideration."
Mr Harris said there was now a need to "look forward" in relation to Casement Park and that the Irish Government "is open" to discussing what more can be done to help in relation to the site.
He said: "I'll stay in contact with the First and Deputy First Minister, and with Prime Minister Starmer, but let's now try and get a bit of forward momentum going on this for once and for all, that's what has to happen next," he added.
Additional reporting PA
