Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2013
50. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he intends to make a response to the Cross-Border Economic Renewal Report of the Centre for Cross Border Studies. [9056/13]
View answer55. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the consideration being given to creating a special economic zone along the Border counties to counter the regional economic disparities; and if he will raise the issue with his counterpart in the Northern Executive. [9057/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 55 together.
This report, published last year, is an extensive body of research which identifies current cross-border economic realities and places them in their historical context. It represents an important contribution to our consideration of the various issues involved.
However its key recommendation, on the establishment of a Border Development Zone, raises considerable challenges, particularly in the current economic climate. The establishment of new structures would not appear warranted or practicable for various logistical, administrative and practical reasons. Given the fact that there are already a significant number of initiatives underway to deal with enterprise development in the border region, and that there is a strong level of cooperation between the relevant Development Agencies and other bodies, it is considered that initiating a new structure is not, at this time, a practical proposition
However I am aware that the Centre for Cross Border Studies have initiated further research to explore in more details the issues involved in initiating a Border Development Zone, as outlined in in their 2013 report and I look forward to the result of this research in due course. The matter will be kept under on-going review.
