The Ireland Wales Shared Statement and Action Plan 2021-2025 was first agreed in January 2021 to provide a dynamic framework to foster and support cooperation across the Irish Sea.

Joint ambition

Work under the Statement has ranged from renewable energy, to education and research links, to protecting and promoting our languages, building cultural partnerships, and supporting our economic and trading ties, reflecting the joint ambition of the Irish and Welsh Governments to advance and strengthen our long-standing connections, to the mutual benefit of our peoples.

Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030

Building on this valuable work, in July 2025, the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030 was agreed, setting out a renewed and ambitious plan for our cooperation to the end of the decade, extending our collaboration and cooperation into new and emerging fields.

As neighbours, we are committed to building forward-looking partnerships - rooted in our shared values and aspirations - recognising that, in so doing, we can achieve more together than we can ever do alone.

The Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030 works within our a broader effort to strengthen the Ireland-UK relationship, as outlined in the Ireland-UK Joint Statement 2030, and focuses on how Ireland and Wales can work together to deliver real benefits for our peoples and communities.

Key areas for cooperation

Reflecting the deep cultural, economic, and historic ties between our nations, the Statement identifies six key areas for cooperation:

1. Political and Official Engagement

Enhancing structured dialogue between both governments and legislatures, including annual Ireland–Wales Forums and deeper collaboration through the British–Irish Council.

2. Climate, Energy, Environment and Sustainability

Joint action on offshore renewable energy, climate resilience, marine protection, and biodiversity, aligned with our national and global sustainability goals.

3. Economy and Trade

Strengthening trade links, supporting SMEs, and enhancing connectivity, including infrastructure around the Dublin-Holyhead corridor.

4. Education, Research and Innovation

Supporting academic and institutional partnerships, researcher mobility, and joint innovation projects, with new funding for early-career researchers.

5. Culture, Language and Heritage

Promoting the Irish and Welsh languages, shared Celtic heritage, and artistic collaboration through cultural exchange and community programming.

6. Communities, Diaspora and Sport

Supporting grassroots cooperation, diaspora networks, and sporting links to connect people and places across Ireland and Wales.

A responsive framework

The Shared Statement 2030 is a future-focused, flexible, and responsive framework that reflects our shared values and ambitions. Whether it is protecting our environment, supporting young researchers, celebrating our indigenous languages, or improving transport and trade links, Ireland and Wales are working together to build a stronger, greener, and more connected future.