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Two Interreg Atlantic Area project approved for ERNACT
ERNACT has been confirmed as a partner in two newly approved EU-funded projects under the Interreg Atlantic Area programme. The projects A.W.A.V.E.S. and ACTIV-N, with a combined budget of €4.65 million, bring the total number of projects approved for the network in 2025 to six, further strengthening ERNACT’s role in advancing innovative transnational cooperation across the Atlantic regions.
As a trusted partner in EU cooperation programmes, ERNACT remains at the forefront of smart, sustainable, and inclusive regional development delivering digital transformation projects that connect public authorities across Europe. This latest news approval follows the recent approval of the €6.5 Million PEACEPLUS Clean-Air project, the first all-island initiative of its kind focused on air quality, which will be led by ERNACT.
The two newly funded projects tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Atlantic regions today, from safeguarding cultural heritage to addressing climate vulnerability through inclusive innovation.
Reviving Maritime Heritage with A.W.A.V.E.S.
The A.W.A.V.E.S. project seeks to revitalise the Atlantic Area’s rich maritime heritage by transforming it into a catalyst for regenerative tourism and social inclusion. In response to declining interest in maritime culture and growing intergenerational disconnect, the project will create cultural hubs, sensory heritage routes and mobile educational initiatives to reconnect communities with their coastal roots.
Through interregional collaboration between Ireland, Spain, Portugal and France, the project will preserve intangible cultural heritage while also creating new opportunities for young people, sustainable tourism, and community resilience. Inspired by the New European Bauhaus, it blends creativity and technology to reimagine Europe’s cultural future.
ACTIV-N: Addressing Climate Risks with Social Inclusion
The second project, ACTIV-N brings a fresh perspective to climate resilience by linking environmental planning with social inclusion. Recognising that vulnerable groups such as older people, persons with disabilities, and those in remote areas are most at risk during climate emergencies, ACTIV-N puts them at the centre of its solutions. ACTIV-N will test new technologies and support systems to help protect and empower these groups during events like floods, droughts, and wildfires.
Securing European Investment
Commenting on the approvals, ERNACT General Manager Dr Caitriona Strain said:
"Our role is to ensure that our network continues to access and benefit from European cooperation funding. These new projects highlight how ERNACT can bring both cultural and environmental innovation to our region, supporting inclusive development and strengthening our connections with Atlantic partners."
Chairperson of ERNACT, Cllr Jack Murray, added:
“These approvals reflect the strength of ERNACT’s partnerships and its proven ability to deliver meaningful results through EU programmes. I am particularly pleased to see projects that respond to the real needs of our communities — from celebrating maritime identity to ensuring climate resilience for all. It’s another strong example of how the North West can lead and benefit from European cooperation.”
Through A.W.A.V.E.S. and ACTIV-N, ERNACT continues to demonstrate how EU funding can deliver direct, practical benefits to local communities, while also contributing to wider regional and European goals.