The fund prides itself on the diversity of projects it has supported. Nowhere is this more evident than in Co Fermanagh, where the flagship Shannon-Erne Waterway project received some £6 million.

However, tourism is not the only sector to benefit. In Upper Lough Erne a group of farmers have availed of IFI money to ensure that the tradition of island farming is kept alive.

A boat for taking cattle on and off the islands was urgently needed, and a group of 13 farming families came together to form a cross-community co-operative to try to secure funds.

Mrs Patricia Gilroy, secretary of the Upper Erne Cot Group Ltd, says the old barge, or cot as it is known locally (from the Irish an coite), was in a dangerous condition.

"It actually sank twice when farmers were trying to bring tractors on to the islands. But the farmers themselves would never have been able to pay for a new cot," she says.

The new boat, which can carry tractors or up to 20 cattle, cost £120,000. Each farmer contributed £500 and the IFI then pledged £27,000, which in turn helped secure £45,000 from the North's Department of Agriculture and £20,00 from the EU's peace fund.

Mrs Gilroy says the Upper Erne Islander, which was launched earlier this year, will allow the tradition of island farming to continue on Lough Erne.

It is the only place in Europe where such farming is carried out. Twenty-six islands on the lake are farmed and some of the farms are as big as 100 acres.

The cot is shown with pride to visitors and its owners a re proud of their achievement.

"The new cot has raised the spirit among the whole island farming community," says Mrs Gilroy.