Developing Irish Sea
Cooperation
Developing Irish Sea Cooperation (DISC) was a two-year project that was supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Led by Southern Regional Assembly in partnership with The Executive Office Northern Ireland, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government,DISC explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
DISC successfully concluded on 31 August 2026, delivering a shared evidence base, strategic framework and practical actions to support future cooperation across the Irish Sea region.
The research and stakeholder engagement undertaken through DISC informed the development of the DISC Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out a shared vision, principles and practical actions for future cooperation between the jurisdictions.
Publications
DISC Strategy and Action Plan
The Strategy and Action Plan provides a framework for strengthening territorial cooperation between Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. It brings together the project’s research, stakeholder engagement and learning to identify priorities and actions for future cooperation.
Click here for the DISC Strategy and Action Plan
Intergovernmental Cooperation: Literature and Policy Review
This report reviews international evidence, policy frameworks and best practice in territorial and intergovernmental cooperation and provides the research foundation for the DISC Strategy and Action Plan.
Click here for the Literature and Policy Review
Building on the relationships, knowledge and momentum created through DISC, the project partners have expressed their commitment to continuing dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation across areas of shared interest in the years ahead.
Intergovernmental Cooperation: Opportunities and Barriers to Cooperation across the Irish Sea Space
This report examines the opportunities, challenges and practical barriers affecting cooperation across the Irish Sea region and provides recommendations to support future cooperation activity. Its findings informed the development of the DISC Strategy and Action Plan.
Click here for the Opportunities and Barriers Report
PEACEPLUS
DISC was supported through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Project Partners:
