Initiative to encourage co-operation across and around the Irish Sea region (Agile Cymru)

The Welsh Government’s Programme for Government stresses the importance of giving Wales the strongest possible presence on the World stage and commits to ‘closer economic and research ties with the EU’. Cooperating with other nations and regions will:

• increase the profile of Wales
• grow the Welsh economy
• position Wales as a globally responsible nation

Joint working enables the exchange of ideas, identification of best practice, increased innovation and competitiveness, and the ability to address key issues which transcend borders. We want “an agile Cymru” that looks outward to existing and future UK, European and international partners; to maximise shared opportunities and address shared challenges.

The Irish Sea Framework guides and influences actions to increase co-operation in the Irish Sea region, providing strategic direction in the short term and a pathway to medium term goals. The Framework is informal, flexible and will evolve. It supports relevant policies, strategies and programmes, including the Welsh Government’s International Strategy, the Ireland-Wales shared statement 2030 and current and future Interreg programmes, including PEACEPLUS.

The Irish Sea region comprises the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and North Channel, and is influenced by surrounding nations and regions: Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, North West England, South West England and the Isle of Man. Economic geographies and bilateral relationships also influence activity. This initiative is intended to benefit Wales, but there is no restriction on the potential partners who wish to deliver and share that benefit.

The Irish Sea Framework identifies three broad priority areas for co-operation: Sustainable Blue Economy, Innovation Strengths and Communities & Culture. See the guide to the Framework for more detail.

Developing Irish Sea Cooperation (DISC) is a two-year project supported by PEACEPLUS. It aims to improve intergovernmental cooperation between Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, including the development of a strategy and action plan for innovative cross border economic and social cooperation.

The Irish Government has agreed that the Southern Regional Assembly should establish a formal Ireland-Wales cooperation mechanism to support continued collaboration amongst stakeholders in the short to medium term. Initially, this mechanism aims to match Agile Cymru funding through existing funding in relevant Irish Government Departments.

The Regional Investment Framework highlights the need to build on the activity and networks established through Wales’ participation in Interreg programmes.

Horizon Europe offers Welsh researchers and innovators the opportunity to collaborate with the best in the world, attract talent, and conduct cutting-edge science and innovation for the benefit of society.

Agile Cymru supports the ‘seeding’ or facilitating of activities that build cross-border and international partnerships, increasing cooperation in areas with potential for greater, sustained economic impact of significance to Wales. It also recognises the importance of cultural collaboration and the social benefits of working across borders.

This initiative invites applications from organisations operating in Wales that can increase and sustain cooperation in the Irish Sea region. Activities and expenditure must occur between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027.

A strong proposal will align with the strategic context set out above and:

• support and build relevant strategic relations outside Wales
• create a range of opportunities in a significant area for the Welsh economy
• involve important and relevant organisations or networks
• transfer international knowledge to Wales that will positively impact Welsh policy priorities
• build on and grow existing activity
• have a clear pathway to bringing in other funding, or another route to ongoing, sustainable economic activity

All applications must demonstrate viability and value for money, and contribute proportionately to relevant Agile Cymru outputs and outcomes.

There are no fixed grant thresholds but as guidance:

• For small projects, such as travel, engagement and consultancy, up to £3,000 per application may be considered reasonable. We would expect one-off or simple engagements to be less than £1,000 in most cases.
• For more strategic projects, such as running networks, feasibility studies and pilot projects involving significant staff-time and materials, up to £20,000 per application may be considered reasonable. On an exceptional basis up to £50,000 may be considered reasonable. 

Welsh Government will take a portfolio approach when selecting projects to ensure the right balance of activities, risks and outcomes for this initiative and the Agile Cymru programme. This may involve prioritisation based on several factors, including:

• the contribution to the capacity of the ‘coalition of the willing’ in one of the Irish Sea Framework priority areas
• the involvement of funding from other nations or regions, or the realistic prospect of such funding being achieved during the project duration
• the proposal addresses a thematic, geographical or sectoral gap in the portfolio
• the scale, certainty and immediacy of the economic impact
• the involvement of industrial or third sector partners, particularly from Wales
• the size of the grant request and whether this has been reduced by leverage of other funding and/or resources
• value for money, especially when compared to similar proposals

Costs must be necessary for the promotion, implementation and dissemination of activity agreed through the application process and written offer of grant. They must be reasonable, verifiable and incurred by the applicant. Unless explicitly stated in this initiative, Agile Cymru rules and procedures apply.

Costs incurred before approval are ineligible unless confirmed otherwise in writing by the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team.

We will not support activity or expenditure after 31 March 2027.

General trade activity or product marketing is not supported. If the primary focus is export, Welsh Government offers specific support that may be more suitable. 

Agile Cymru is unlikely to support international mobility for education outcomes.

Agile Cymru can support cultural, heritage and sporting projects if they have potential for sustained cooperation of significance to Wales, but is unlikely to support individual artists or performances.

Expenditure may include the activity of non-Welsh partners, provided costs are incurred by the Welsh partner and value for money is demonstrated. We advise contacting the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team early in your proposal’s development to ensure compliance.

We can support up to 100% of eligible costs if justified, but Welsh Government may prioritise applications with lower intervention rates. 

We expect you to focus on larger items of expenditure with simple, robust evidence trails. Food/subsistence costs are not eligible except when breakfast is included in a hotel price or when contracted catering is a necessary cost for a meeting/event. This is to reduce the administrative burden on applicants and government.

We are open to applications now. If your proposal is not strong or a priority as defined above, please contact the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team before submitting an application. Otherwise, complete the application form and send it to the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team at AgileCymru@gov.wales.

A project that delivers co-operation with one or more regions can be captured in a single application; multiple applications are not required. Applicants should ensure the division of activities and associated costs is clearly set out for each region involved.

Applications will be assessed against the aims of this initiative and Welsh Government will have the final decision, which may include awarding a lower grant than requested. Advice may be sought from relevant specialist and policy colleagues in Wales or in relevant nations/regions. 

Eligible applications will be considered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, with limited opportunity for further clarification. Applications not considered strong or a priority as defined above may be placed on a ‘reserve list’ to allow opportunities for other applications. 

Budget for this initiative is limited, and we will consider other commitments and underspends at the time of decision. Applications may be placed on the ‘reserve list’  for budgetary reasons.