FINE Gael has called
for a joint Government backed multi-agency task
force for the border region including Donegal.
The task force would be designed to boost the local
economy and create new jobs.
Speaking at the launch of the first interim report
drafted by the party's Border Forum, Fine Gael
leader, Enda Kenny, said the region has been "held
back for more than 90 years". He said the best hope
for the region was for the authorities on both sides
of the border to focus on developing its potential
and securing existing jobs.
“When I visited this region in the aftermath of the
Quinn Group job losses, I gave a commitment to bring
forward ideas to support economic activity and job
creation in the border region," said Mr Kenny.
"Fine Gael has consulted widely in the intervening
period, and produced these specific proposals to
support employment and economic development in the
region. We are committed to implementing the final
recommendations in Government, and to bring
essential jobs, vital new projects, and new hope to
the border region.”
He said the Good Friday agreement offered
"tremendous potential" for economic co-operation and
development in the border regions.
The FG proposals include:
*A multi agency task force comprising Enterprise
Ireland, institutes of technology, FÁS and the local
county enterprise boards
*The introduction of a joint Irish/British holiday
visa to facilitate tourism across the island and in
the border region and regional tourism promotion
*Channelling funding from the Exchequer, public
private partnerships, capital markets and the
European Investment Bank into new infrastructure
projects
*Upgrading broadband and energy networks
*An immediate review of all cancelled transport
projects in the region
*Agri food proposals including an overhaul of
labelling and an all-island approach to animal
health and welfare
*Clearly defining the cross-border region |
