Minister of State Neale Richmond and First Minister John Swinney unveiled a new bilateral cooperation framework setting out shared priorities for collaboration between Ireland and Scotland through to the end of the decade. The two leaders met at Iveagh House in Dublin for the annual Ireland–Scotland Bilateral Review meeting, where they reaffirmed the strength of ties between the two nations and pledged to deepen political, economic and cultural links.gov
Strategic priorities for the next five years
The Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030 provides strategic direction and concrete actions across areas including renewable energy, diaspora engagement, cultural exchange, research and trade. Richmond emphasised that Ireland and Scotland share deep historical ties and a modern partnership rooted in shared values, cultural closeness and economic opportunity, adding that the new framework reflects ambitions to work even more closely in the years ahead.gov
Swinney described Ireland as holding a special place in Scotland’s priorities and highlighted the substantial progress achieved since the last framework launched four years ago. He expressed confidence that the updated framework will enable the partnership to go from strength to strength through its new actions.gov
Building on four years of cooperation
Over the past four years, Ireland and Scotland have worked jointly across six thematic areas where the Scottish Government holds devolved responsibility. The launch event brought together key stakeholders who have driven much of that progress, including ESB and SSE, which have invested billions in renewable energy across both countries, University College Dublin and the University of Strathclyde, which collaborate on space research, and GAA Scotland, which recently supported the first hurling and camogie double-header in Inverness broadcast globally by the BBC.gov
Cultural and academic partnerships have also flourished, with the Royal Irish Academy and Royal Society of Edinburgh overseeing joint research grants, Údarás na Gaeltachta supporting collaboration between Donegal and Harris tweed industries, and Culture Ireland showcasing Irish artists at Scotland’s world-class festivals including Edinburgh and Celtic Connections. Údarás na Gaeltachta will now formally deepen cooperation with Highlands and Islands Enterprise on economic growth, community development and cultural preservation.gov
Strengthening UK-Ireland connections
The new framework follows Ireland’s recent announcement of a joint action plan with Wales running to 2030 and forms part of the Irish government’s wider strategy to strengthen connections across the UK over the next five years. Richmond and Swinney also discussed the upcoming British Irish Council Summit scheduled for Cardiff in December, underscoring the role of multilateral institutions in maintaining ties across the islands.irishpost+2
