Four National Libraries Join Forces in Major New UK–Ireland Initiative

13.03.26

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan and Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts Ian Murray, have announced funding of €5m for twelve projects under the UK-Ireland Cultural Co-Operation Programme, fulfilling a commitment made at their 2025 UK-Ireland Summit to establish a strategic partnership to deepen and amplify co-operation between the leading cultural institutions in both countries.

The announcement was made in Cork this evening during the second UK-Ireland Summit to strengthen post-Brexit relations.

The projects approved for funding will take place during the period from 2026 to 2030.

All these projects reflect the desire of both Governments to forge a new path of co-operation, as set out in the UK-Ireland 2030 programme announced at the first UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool last year.

One of the projects that will receive 750,000 Euros is a first of its kind collaborative exhibition and events programme between the four National Libraries – National Library of Wales, National Library of Ireland, National Library of Scotland and the British Library. The “Across these islands – shared histories and shared futures” project between the National Libraries together with other partners and communities will explore two themes of engagement with audiences, specifically the distinctiveness of the culture, stories and languages of these islands, and also the connections between communities, and the enriching influence we have had on each other.

Welcoming the announcement – the Chief Executive of the National Library of Wales, Rhodri Llwyd Morgan who is in Cork for the event said:
“This is such an exciting, inaugural and innovative project. It will see the four National Libraries working together to create engaging programmes, projects and materials which will inspire and offer opportunities for communities and families to learn and understand more about themselves and each other”

** Mae'r datganiad yma hefyd ar gael yn y Gymraeg**

--ENDS--

The National Library of Wales Media Contact Rhodri ap Dyfrig, Head of Communications rhodri.apdyfrig@llyfrgell.cymru / 07521761762

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Closer ties with Ireland are delivering for the UK in a volatile world, as leaders attend second UK-Ireland summit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/closer-ties-with-ireland-are-delivering-for-the-uk-in-a-volatile-world-as-leaders-attend-second-uk-ireland-summit

UK-Ireland Summit 2026 - Remarks by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the reception to celebrate cultural ties between Ireland and the UK Cork City Hall, 12 March https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/speeches/uk-ireland-summit-2026-remarks-by-taoiseach-miche%C3%A1l-martin-at-the-reception-to-celebrate-cultural-ties-between-ireland-and-the-uk-cork-city-hall-12-march/

About the National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales is a library for Wales and the world. Located in Aberystwyth, it is the home of the story of Wales.

Opened in 1907, the Library is the centre of research into the culture and heritage of Wales and the Celtic nations.

The purpose of the Library is to make our culture and heritage accessible for everyone to learn, research and enjoy.

We are a legal deposit library, which means we are entitled to a copy of every print publication in Britain and Ireland, but our collections also include the following:

• 7,000,000 feet of film
• 250,000 hours of video
• 6,000,000 books and newspapers
• 40,000 manuscripts
• 1,500,000 maps
• 150,000 hours of sound
• 950,000 photographs
• 60,000 works of art
• 1,900 cubic meters of archives

You will find further information along with a list of resources on our website: www.library.wales