21 Feabh 2014, 15:26
A delegation from the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement was in Letterkenny this afternoon to assess the scope for further cross border cooperation in healthcare delivery and broader areas of health education and research.
The delegation met with representatives of the West/Northwest Hospitals Group, concluding the Committee's two-day outreach programme in Derry and Letterkenny.
Committee Chairman Joe McHugh TD is leading the delegation. Deputy McHugh TD continues: “ The meeting with the West/Northwest Hospitals Group this afternoon was most helpful in advancing the Committee’s understanding of where the challenges and opportunities in cross-border cooperation in healthcare lie. The Committee is encouraged at how well Letterkenny Emergency Department has steadily restored services following the severe flooding last year, and of the assistance provided by Altnagelvin and Sligo hospitals during the process.
“Promising cross border initiatives were outlined, including the new Radiotherapy Centre, part funded by the Irish Government, to come on stream at Altnagelvin in 2016. Greater cooperation between health services in areas such as cardiology, urology and in emergency and ambulance services are also in the best interests of patients on both sides of the border. The Committee was told that considerable potential exists in the areas of education and research, not least in leveraging the high concentration of medtech companies in the region to greater effect. Undoubtedly, greater coordination between the hospitals in the area with industry and higher education institutions will lead to better health outcomes for the local population.”
Earlier today, the delegation met with the North West Region Cross Border Group, who outlined the flagship Northwest Regional Science Park. Now approaching completion in Derry, the centre will provide flexible workspaces for start-up companies. Reflecting its wider impact on the region, the Science Park will also have a presence at the Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
The Group comprises 22 elected representatives as well as the Chief Executives and County Manager of the five local authorities of Derry City Council, Donegal County Council, Limavady Borough Council, Magherafelt District Council and Strabane District Council.
Deputy McHugh continues: “The Committee received an enlightening presentation from the North West Region Cross Border Group on their longstanding, practical and commonsense cross-border cooperation. The Northwest Regional Science Park, nearing completion, will be a key driver in fostering a spirit of innovation in the Northwest. Based in Derry and with a presence in Letterkenny, this ambitious initiative will provide a unique space for a community of start-up enterprises. The meeting was a valuable opportunity to hear from local representatives on their sustained cooperation over the decades for the mutual benefit of they citizens they serve on both sides of the border. Serious concerns were expressed about the potential adverse impact on cross border trade of the proposed HGV levy on non-UK registered heavy vehicles in Northern Ireland. Delivering the A5 road upgrade for the benefit of the wider region was also highlighted.”
Ends
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
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paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Members of the Committee:
Deputies: Seán Conlan, Seán Crowe, Clare Daly, Regina Doherty, Frank Feighan, Martin Ferris, Peter M Fitzpatrick, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Michael P Kitt, Joe McHugh (Chair), Joe O’Reilly (Vice-Chair), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Brendan Smith, Joanna Tuffy and Jack Wall
Senators: Maurice Cummins (Leader of the House), Jim D’Arcy, Mary Moran and Mary White