LONDON, Oct. 23, 2025 — Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD has unveiled details of £6.5 million (€7.6 million) in grants to Irish community organisations across Britain. The funding, delivered through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), will support 110 organisations and 192 projects, ranging from cultural initiatives to welfare services.
Strengthening Diaspora Ties
Speaking at the Irish Embassy in London, Minister Richmond praised the resilience of Irish communities:
“Your commitment, care and dedication in nurturing both our people and our shared heritage reflects the values that epitomise the very best of us.”
He highlighted the role of the diaspora in deepening Irish-British relations, noting that community groups provide unique insights into strengthening political, cultural, and economic ties.
Funding Priorities
The largest allocations went to:
- London Irish Centre – £938,147
- Irish in Britain (nationwide) – £440,000
- Irish Community Care, Liverpool – £380,000
- icap (Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy) – £294,820
- Birmingham Irish Association – £285,684
By region, Greater London received the highest share (£2.84 million), followed by nationwide initiatives (£1.02 million) and Merseyside (£553,010).
Long-Term Strategy
The ESP, established in 2004, has allocated more than €265 million to over 900 organisations in 51 countries. It remains central to the government’s Global Ireland: Diaspora Strategy 2020–2025, which outlines how Ireland engages with its global communities.
Consultations are also underway for a new Diaspora Strategy, informed by the Global Irish Survey, which gathered over 10,000 responses worldwide. The updated strategy will be launched at the 4th Global Irish Civic Forum in Spring 2026.
Broader Impact
The funding will support projects addressing:
- Community welfare and elderly care
- Cultural preservation and promotion
- Language and heritage education
- Mental health and counselling services
- Youth engagement and inclusion
Minister Richmond emphasised that behind each grant are “thousands of individual stories” of lives improved and connections strengthened.
Summary: Ireland has committed £6.5 million to support Irish communities in Britain through the Emigrant Support Programme. The funding will sustain 110 organisations and nearly 200 projects, reinforcing cultural identity, welfare services, and diaspora engagement as part of Ireland’s long-term global strategy.
Sources: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Ireland), Irish Embassy London, Global Ireland Diaspora Strategy 2020–2025.
