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ERNACT secures ninth project approval in 12 months
ERNACT has announced the approval of its ninth project within the past 12 months, following confirmation of funding for the INCLUDE project under the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme.
This latest approval brings total project funding secured by ERNACT during 2025 to €25.1 million, with €9 million being invested directly in the North West City Region. The funding will support digital innovation-led development, strengthen cross-border and interregional collaboration, and deliver tangible benefits for communities across the region.
ERNACT is a European digital transformation network co-founded by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, and is based at CoLab on the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) campus in Letterkenny. The network connects regions across Europe to design and deliver high-impact green and digital transformation projects, enabling public authorities to access EU funding and drive smart, inclusive and sustainable growth.
Chairperson of the ERNACT Board, Councillor Jack Murray described the significance of the approval of the projects: “Securing nine project approvals in a single year is a significant achievement for the ERNACT network and reflects the strength of our partnerships and strategic focus. These projects are delivering real value for the North West City Region and demonstrate how European cooperation can translate into practical, place-based outcomes for communities and public authorities.”
The INCLUDE project arises from a competitive NPA clustering call and will see ERNACT, as Lead Partner of the MINDSET project, working with partner organisations to address shared territorial challenges. These include skills gaps, low engagement among young people and minority groups, climate adaptation needs, and the development of resilient, place-based economies.
ERNACT currently leads the HUMAN, MINDSET and PEACE-AIR projects and will also work closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council on the Smart Villages Network project, further strengthening cooperation across the North West and beyond.
ERNACT welcomes the approval as a positive conclusion to a highly successful year, and acknowledged the continued support of its Board and partners in securing strong outcomes for the North West through European cooperation programmes.
Dr Caitriona Strain, General Manager of ERNACT welcomed the approval of the project, stating: “The approval of the INCLUDE project is a welcome way to close out the year for ERNACT. Securing €25.1 million in project funding in 2025, with €9 million invested directly in the North West City Region, reflects the commitment of our staff and partners, and their ability to work collaboratively to develop high-quality European projects.”
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