Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he remains committed to building reconciliation and mutual trust across the island of Ireland ahead of a series of engagements in Belfast focused on politics, business and cross-border cooperation.
During the visit, the Taoiseach is expected to meet political leaders at Stormont, alongside representatives from the business community and members of domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid.
A major focus of the trip will also be the formal marking of a €700 million contract for a new fleet of cross-border trains connecting Dublin and Belfast.
The Taoiseach will be joined by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien for the event, which represents one of the largest investments in all-island rail infrastructure in recent years.
The new Enterprise fleet, which will operate on the Belfast-Dublin route, is expected to begin arriving from late 2028.
Later in the day, Mr Martin is due to deliver the Lord David Trimble Lecture 2026 at Queen’s University Belfast, where he is expected to reflect on the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement and the future of north-south relations.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach said he remained focused on continuing the reconciliation work set out during the peace process.
“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,” he said.
Mr Martin added that the visit would provide an opportunity to engage directly with leaders from across Northern Ireland on issues affecting communities on both sides of the border.
“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,” he said.
Referring to the evening lecture, the Taoiseach said former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble had played a central role in securing peace in Northern Ireland.
“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,” he said.
Mr Martin added that the agreement continues to shape his Government’s approach to relations across the island and between Ireland and Britain.
“The principles and purpose of the agreement remain central to what my Government does and how we foster relationships across these islands,” he said.
