A cross-border peace fund looks set to benefit from a $10 million cash injection from the US. The International Fund for Ireland has been recommended for the US Administration award.
The announcement follows January's launch by the fund of a five-year sunset strategy Sharing this Space, which orientates the organisation towards grassroots reconciliation work in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
Welcoming the decision, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern said: "I am pleased that the Fund's friends in Washington have again demonstrated their faith in the organisation.
"The next five years will be vital to ensure a lasting legacy for the Fund and for 25 years of international engagement with the peace process.
"It is gratifying that the Fund's efforts to refocus and consolidate its activities have been met with such generosity. Once again the United States has demonstrated the importance of its relationship with Ireland and of our efforts to bring the peace process to a conclusion."
Established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986, the International Fund for Ireland promotes economic and social advance and encourages contact, dialogue and reconciliation between unionists and nationalists throughout Ireland.
Since its inception the US has contributed more than $460 million (€360 million) to the Fund.