07/05/2026
Taoiseach Visits Belfast to Mark €700m Enterprise Fleet Deal
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Belfast today, 7 May, for a comprehensive programme of meetings and events aimed at strengthening all-island cooperation. A primary highlight of the visit is a joint event at the new Grand Central Station to commemorate the signing of a €700 million contract for a state-of-the-art fleet of Enterprise trains.
The Taoiseach's itinerary also focuses on civic and economic engagement, featuring a meeting with Northern Ireland business leaders and a visit to Women's Aid. Later in the day, he will travel to Stormont for a series of bilateral discussions with local political figures.
In the evening, the Taoiseach will deliver the 2026 Lord David Trimble Lecture at Queen's University Belfast. The visit coincides with the release of the Shared Island Initiative 2025 Report.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach said: "I am pleased to be returning to Belfast. My visit includes multiple opportunities to hear directly from political, business and civic leaders and to discuss ongoing and evolving all-island priorities which benefit us all.
"I am also pleased to be delivering the Lord David Trimble Lecture in Queen's University. David played a critical role in the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement. The principles and purpose of the Agreement remain central to what my Government does and how we foster relationships across these islands.
"I am committed to continuing to work toward reconciliation and mutual trust, as we collectively set out to do in 1998, including through the Shared Island Initiative. Today also sees the publication of the Shared Island Initiative 2025 Report."
The Taoiseach's itinerary also focuses on civic and economic engagement, featuring a meeting with Northern Ireland business leaders and a visit to Women's Aid. Later in the day, he will travel to Stormont for a series of bilateral discussions with local political figures.
In the evening, the Taoiseach will deliver the 2026 Lord David Trimble Lecture at Queen's University Belfast. The visit coincides with the release of the Shared Island Initiative 2025 Report.
"I am also pleased to be delivering the Lord David Trimble Lecture in Queen's University. David played a critical role in the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement. The principles and purpose of the Agreement remain central to what my Government does and how we foster relationships across these islands.
"I am committed to continuing to work toward reconciliation and mutual trust, as we collectively set out to do in 1998, including through the Shared Island Initiative. Today also sees the publication of the Shared Island Initiative 2025 Report."
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19 February 2004
Taoiseach visits Northern Ireland on one-day trip
Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern arrived in Northern Ireland today for a special one-day visit. Mr Ahern's first engagement was to give a keynote address at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus on Thursday.
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05 October 2017
Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave Dies Aged 97
The former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave has died at the age of 97. Mr Cosgrave was elected the leader of Fine Gael in 1965 and held the post for eight years. He became the Irish prime minister in 1973. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said: "I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave on his passing.
Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave Dies Aged 97
The former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave has died at the age of 97. Mr Cosgrave was elected the leader of Fine Gael in 1965 and held the post for eight years. He became the Irish prime minister in 1973. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said: "I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave on his passing.
16 June 2006
Funeral held for former Taoiseach
The funeral for former Taoiseach Charles Haughey has taken place today in his old constituency in north Dublin. A full state funeral is being held and thousands of mourners have lined the streets of Dublin to pay their final respects to the man who was known as the most controversial controversial Irish politician of his time.
Funeral held for former Taoiseach
The funeral for former Taoiseach Charles Haughey has taken place today in his old constituency in north Dublin. A full state funeral is being held and thousands of mourners have lined the streets of Dublin to pay their final respects to the man who was known as the most controversial controversial Irish politician of his time.
21 June 2001
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON IRA TO DELIVER ON ARMS
THE IRA has come under increasing pressure from the SDLP and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to deliver decommissioning before the end of the month.
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON IRA TO DELIVER ON ARMS
THE IRA has come under increasing pressure from the SDLP and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to deliver decommissioning before the end of the month.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be a mostly dry and breezy evening with late sunny spells. Remaining dry overnight with some clear intervals and the odd spot of light rain possible. Minimum temperature 9 °C.