Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cross-Border Co-Operation.

James Leonard

Ceist:

19 Mr. Leonard asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself with the level of co-operation between local authorities from each side of the Border which is necessary for the maximum draw down of Border funding. [11167/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

It is the Government's policy to promote cross-Border economic and social co-operation in all fields. The Deputy can be assured therefore that all Departments, State agencies and local authorities are supportive of developing cross-Border co-operation and linkages.

While I have no direct responsibility for local authorities, I understand that there is a considerable level of co-operative between local authorities, North and South, at different levels across a range of activities.

One of the best examples of this co-operation is the existence of the three regional cross-Border groups, viz. the north-west region cross-Border group, the central Border region cross-Border group and the east Border region committee. These regional groups comprise representatives from the local authorities in the six Border counties and the relevant borough and district councils in Northern Ireland. The groups which are funded through the INTERREG programme meet regularly to discuss issues of relevance to the Border region. Two of the groups have already produced integrated plans for their regions on which they are now in discussion with the relevant Government Departments and State agencies, North and South.

In addition to contacts via the regional structures, there are extensive ongoing contacts on the full range of issues of mutual interest between local authorities here and their counterparts in the North. The development of these contacts has been, and continues to be, greatly facilitated by the special funding mechanisms for the Border region which include the EU INTERREG and the EU programme for peace and reconciliation.

The joint Ireland-Northern Ireland INTERREG programme for the period 1994-1999 is a multi-sectoral one with the two major objectives of creating and developing networks for cross-Border co-operation and economic regeneration of the Border region. The EU support programme for peace and reconciliation, which is designed to support the peace process, will help to further develop cross-Border links. At least 15 per cent of the total funds available is earmarked for projects involving cross-Border co-operation. The International Fund for Ireland has since its establishment in 1986 dedicated itself to promoting economic and social advance and encouraging contact, dialogue and reconciliation between the two communities in Northern Ireland and between both parts of the island.

The foregoing programmes have benefited from the advice and co-operation of the local authorities. Any enhancement of co-operation between local authorities will serve to increase the cross-Border dimension of these programmes.