Ireland-Wales Forum meeting: 18 October 2024

The fourth edition of the annual Ireland Wales Forum took place in Cork, Ireland, on 18 October 2024, bringing together the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Mr. Micheál Martin.

The Forum is organised under the Ireland Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-2025 with the aim of engaging political, economic and broader stakeholders. The Ireland Wales Shared Statement underlines the deep historical, cultural and community ties between our countries, and reflects the 2 governments’ joint commitment to further strengthen this relationship, broadening our cooperation and connections to our mutual benefit.

This year, the Forum focused on fostering academic and research links, taking place at Munster Technological University’s (MTU) Bishopstown Campus, Cork. Researchers briefed the Tánaiste and First Minister on research projects related to the marine environment, ecotourism and heritage connections. The forum was also an opportunity to visit Cyber Ireland’s new state of the art facility at MTU, to hear of its collaboration with Wales.

In their discussions, the Tánaiste and First Minister focussed on their shared ambitions for the Ireland Wales bilateral relationship, including proposals for an Ireland Wales Shared Statement post-2025. They emphasised the importance of continued focus on deepening partnerships between Ireland and Wales, and broadening our cooperation into new and emerging areas of importance for both sides.

Prior to the Ministerial Forum, on 17 October 2024, President Higgins welcomed the Welsh First Minister and her delegation to Áras an Uachtaráin. The First Minister also met with Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan.

It was agreed that the next iteration of the Ireland Wales Forum will take place in Wales in 2025.