Border region can be alternative to Dublin area for foreign direct investment – Smith

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-Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Committee Report launched-

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the launch of a Report by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, of which he is a Member.

The recommendations of the report include;

  • Promoting the border region as alternatives to the Dublin area for Foreign Direct Investment.
  • Both governments formally recommit to the long-planned A5-N2 Dublin to Derry project.
  • Promotion of the three border regions as areas of national importance.
  • A Regional Employment Strategy which would form the basis for enterprise and employment creation by all stakeholders.
  • Comprehensive upgrading of infrastructure, both transport and broadband, to assist connectivity in the region.

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “I am delighted to have assisted in the production of this report and its launch. Brexit, and the wider debate around Brexit, has shown the importance of the Good Friday Agreement. It must and will be upheld and protected.

“Our Committee report makes recommendations to help negate the effects of Brexit in the border region.

“PEACE and INTERREG programmes have done so much for peace on both sides of the border. In the event they cannot be funded, alternative programmes should be established immediately to replace them.

 “The report also calls for investment in the border region, including the A5 road, broadband, and investment which will lead to jobs.

“I look forward to continuing the work of the Committee and ensuring the Good Friday Agreement, and the peace it provides across the island of Ireland is upheld,” concluded Deputy Smith.

 *Note to editor: Please see report attached.

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