Fears Mount Over Future of US Funding to The International Fund for Ireland Amid trump’s Foreign Aid Review
Concerns are escalating over the future of substantial US funding to The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) following an executive order by US President Donald Trump to review nearly all foreign assistance programmes.The IFI, which received $4 million (€3.8 million) from the United States last year, supports cross-community projects in Northern Ireland and southern border counties.The IFI, one of many global programmes benefiting from United States aid, is now seeking clarity on whether it will be impacted by a potential funding freeze. IFI Chair Paddy Harte emphasized the importance of US support in a statement to RTÉ News: “We have always had a very close relationship with the US Governance. We have enjoyed bipartisan support on a financial,political and often very personal basis which has been critical in building and embedding the level of peace we now enjoy on this island.” He added, “We will continue to work with our US colleagues to establish clarity with what this executive order means.”
Democratic Congressman brendan Boyle, who has championed increased funding for the IFI in recent years, criticized the move.“It is outrageous President Trump may be freezing these funds. I will do everything possible to fight it,” Mr Boyle said.He further highlighted the importance of US contributions: “US government funding for the International fund for Ireland has played a notable role in sustaining the peace process.”
Sence its establishment in 1986 by the Irish and British governments, the IFI has been supported by international donors, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union. The United States, one of the largest contributors alongside Ireland, has donated over half a billion dollars to the IFI. This funding has been instrumental in delivering peace and reconciliation projects, such as the removal of peace walls and supporting young people at risk of paramilitary involvement. Over the decades, it has also facilitated major initiatives, including the linking of the Shannon and Erne waters from Leitrim to Fermanagh.
Last week, President Trump signed an executive order imposing a 90-day pause on foreign progress assistance to assess its efficiency and alignment with his foreign policy. This decision threatens billions of dollars in funding from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for programmes worldwide, including those on the island of Ireland.
Funding to the IFI from the US has seen a significant increase in recent years, rising from $750,000 in 2019 to $4 million in 2024. The potential freeze has sparked widespread concern, given the IFI’s critical role in fostering peace and reconciliation.
| Key Facts About IFI Funding |
|———————————|
| Established | 1986 |
| US contribution (2024) | $4 million |
| Total US Contributions | Over $500 million |
| Major Projects | Removal of peace walls, youth support, Shannon-Erne water link |
As the IFI awaits clarity on the impact of the executive order, stakeholders remain hopeful that the longstanding partnership with the US will continue to support peace-building efforts in Ireland.
for more information on the IFI’s initiatives, visit their official website.To learn about President Trump’s foreign policy decisions, explore the latest updates from the White House.
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US Funding to the International Fund for Ireland Under Threat: An Expert Interview
Table of Contents
In the wake of President Trump’s executive order to review foreign aid, concerns are mounting over the future of US contributions to The International Fund for Ireland (IFI). To shed light on the situation, we sat down with Dr. Eoin O’Malley, a leading expert on international peace-building and the IFI’s role in Ireland’s reconciliation efforts.
The Importance of US Funding to the IFI
Senior Editor: Dr. O’Malley,could you start by explaining why US funding has been so critical to the IFI’s work over the years?
Dr. Eoin O’Malley: Absolutely. As its establishment in 1986, the IFI has relied heavily on international donors, with the United States being one of the largest contributors, providing over $500 million to date. This funding has been instrumental in supporting cross-community projects that foster peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties. Initiatives like the removal of peace walls and the linking of the Shannon and Erne waterways have been transformative, thanks in large part to US support.
President Trump’s Executive Order: What Does It Mean for the IFI?
Senior Editor: President Trump recently signed an executive order to pause foreign aid for 90 days. How might this impact the IFI?
Dr. Eoin O’Malley: This move has sparked important concern. The executive order is part of a broader review of foreign assistance to ensure it aligns with the administration’s priorities. While it’s too early to predict the exact impact, a potential freeze could disrupt critical projects. The IFI received $4 million from the US in 2024, an increase from previous years, highlighting its importance. Though, this review process introduces uncertainty at a time when the IFI’s work is more vital than ever.
The IFI’s Role in Sustaining Peace in Ireland
Senior Editor: Could you elaborate on how the IFI has contributed to peace and reconciliation in Ireland?
Dr. eoin O’Malley: Certainly. The IFI has played a pivotal role in addressing some of the root causes of conflict in Ireland. As an example, its work with young people at risk of paramilitary involvement has helped reduce violence and foster positive community engagement. Additionally, its focus on cross-community initiatives has bridged divides, particularly in areas with a history of sectarian tensions. These efforts have been crucial in sustaining the peace process, especially in regions where progress is fragile.
Looking Ahead: The Future of US-IFI Collaboration
Senior Editor: What’s next for the IFI, and how can stakeholders ensure continued US support?
Dr. eoin O’Malley: The IFI is currently seeking clarity on the implications of the executive order. It’s essential for stakeholders to emphasize the tangible benefits of US funding, demonstrating how it aligns with broader foreign policy goals, such as promoting global stability.Bipartisan support has been a cornerstone of US-IFI relations, and maintaining this dialog will be key. While challenges remain, I’m optimistic that the long-standing partnership between the US and the IFI will endure, given its proven track record of success.
Conclusion
In this interview, Dr. Eoin O’Malley highlighted the critical role of US funding in enabling the IFI to drive peace and reconciliation in Ireland. While President Trump’s executive order introduces uncertainty, the IFI’s proven impact and strong bipartisan support offer hope for continued collaboration. For more information on the IFI’s initiatives, visit their official website.
