European funding for two new projects based in Donegal has been confirmed.
The two new ERNACT projects, called A.W.A.V.E.S. and ACTIV-N, will see a further €4.65 million investment in preserving the North-West’s cultural heritage, as well as new technologies to help safeguard communities against climate change.
This latest development follows the recent approval of a €6.5 Million PEACEPLUS Clean-Air project, the first all-island initiative of its kind focused on air quality, which will be led by ERNACT.
The A.W.A.V.E.S. project seeks to revitalise the Atlantic Area’s rich maritime heritage by transforming it into a catalyst for regenerative tourism and social inclusion.
In response to declining interest in maritime culture and growing intergenerational disconnect, the project will create cultural hubs, sensory heritage routes and mobile educational initiatives to reconnect communities with their coastal roots.
Through interregional collaboration between Ireland, Spain, Portugal and France, the project will preserve intangible cultural heritage while also creating new opportunities for young people, sustainable tourism, and community resilience. Inspired by the New European Bauhaus, it blends creativity and technology to reimagine Europe’s cultural future.
The second project, ACTIV-N brings a fresh perspective to climate resilience by linking environmental planning with social inclusion. Recognising that vulnerable groups such as older people, persons with disabilities, and those in remote areas are most at risk during climate emergencies, ACTIV-N puts them at the centre of its solutions.
ACTIV-N will test new technologies and support systems to help protect and empower these groups during events like floods, droughts, and wildfires. ERNACT has brought Donegal County Council’s Climate Action Office on board as an associate partner, to ensure strong links with local climate planning and community resilience efforts.
Commenting on the approvals, ERNACT General Manager Dr Caitriona Strain said:
“Our role is to ensure that the North West continues to access and benefit from European cooperation funding. These new projects highlight how ERNACT can bring both cultural and environmental innovation to our region, supporting inclusive development and strengthening our connections with Atlantic partners.”
Chairperson of ERNACT, Cllr Jack Murray, added:
“These approvals reflect the strength of ERNACT’s partnerships and its proven ability to deliver meaningful results through EU programmes. I am particularly pleased to see projects that respond to the real needs of our communities — from celebrating maritime identity to ensuring climate resilience for all. It’s another strong example of how the North West can lead and benefit from European cooperation.”
