On 1 June, I met with the Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment, Ms Maria Eagle MP to discuss a number of issues concerning North/South economic co-operation. We reviewed progress on the comprehensive study that is currently underway to identify opportunities for further practical North/South co-operation on the development of a more competitive and prosperous all-island economy. The outcomes of this study, due later this year, should also benefit the counties along the border.
Minister Eagle and I also discussed the development of the North-West of the island which is another priority of North/South co-operation. The North-West of the island faces particular challenges which can only be overcome by a concerted effort by both Governments. I am pleased to say there is now a common approach, the North-West Gateway Initiative, which has been endorsed by the British-Irish InterGovernmental Conference to increase co-operation to address the development of the North-West. This initiative will encompass an examination of the potential for joint investment in key infrastructure projects; joint analysis and actions by agencies in areas such as trade and investment promotion, tourism, skills and training.
I am pleased that we have been able to make progress on these areas of North/South co-operation and I look forward to the positive benefits which should accrue to the all-island economy and economic development along the border counties.
In addition IDA Ireland (IDA) and Invest Northern Ireland (INI) continue to identify and pursue collaborative cross-border initiatives. The Boards of both agencies hold an annual joint Board meeting to update each other on issues such as strategy, opportunities for collaboration, EU affairs and other topics of mutual interest.
IDA and INI are actively pursuing the development of a Virtual Cross-Border Technology Park (VCBTP) in the North-West, centred on Derry and Letterkenny, using funding from the EU Interreg III Programme. One key aspect of the initiative is that high specification telecommunications will be offered to overcome the disadvantages of physical remoteness, which businesses and educational/research organisations currently have to deal with. This proposal has now been fully approved by the Interreg Steering Committee following the successful outcome of an economic appraisal. Work is now focused on implementing the proposal, including the tendering process for the telecommunications element of the initiative.
IDA participates in the Armagh-Monaghan Digital Corridor Initiative, which is geared at encouraging enterprises with a requirement for advanced telecoms to locate on both sides of the border where the telecommunications networks of both jurisdictions can be accessed.
IDA closely monitors other issues with a North/South dimension such as energy, transportation, infrastructure development, spatial planning and opportunities for improved collaboration or coordination are highlighted for the appropriate authorities on an on-going basis.