Derry Donegal Cross-Border Co-Operation In Focus

It has been revealed that talks on a number of issues of common interest to the Co Londonderry and Co Donegal areas are being discussed at a series of meetings held regularly between both councils.

The first meeting has already been held at Derry City Council's offices between the Mayor of Derry City Council, Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson, the Mayor of Donegal County Council, Councillor John Boyle, Derry City Council's Town Clerk and Chief Executive, Tony McGurk and the Donegal County Manager, Michael McLoone.

A follow up meeting took place in Lifford at the end of May and subsequent meetings have been arranged for over the summer months.

Among the issues discussed at the meetings were the Gateway Innovation Fund and the positive work being done by both Councils to enhance and accelerate the growth of Derry and Letterkenny.

The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson explained: "The Gateway Innovation Fund has opened up new opportunities to make a real difference to the North West region.

"Both Councils are continuing to work in close co-operation to ensure we rise to the challenge to produce quality and deliverable projects for the region," he said.

The development of better access and investment in road, rail and air infrastructure was also raised at the meetings with specific emphasis placed on the development of the N2-A5 route and the need for improved railway infrastructure. The ongoing investment and safety works being carried out at the City of Derry Airport were also discussed.

The Mayor of Donegal County Council, Councillor John Boyle, said the delivery of a sustainable and integrated transport system that underpins the regions growth and competitiveness is a priority for the North West region.

"Good road, rail and air infrastructure is vital to ensure the region can maximise its potential to attract investment and bring economic stability.

"The close relationship between Donegal County Council and Derry City Council is helping to ensure we are all playing a part in transforming the North West region and creating the conditions where the private and public sectors can flourish and grow and we can see real investment and regeneration prospects for the region," he said.

The Council representatives also discussed issues relating to the recent announcement by the Irish Government that Northern Ireland can play a key role in providing additional financial service skills to companies based at the IFSC in Dublin.

The Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Derry City Council Tony McGurk said the allowing of a competitive advantage in international financial services would benefit both Council regions.

"In today's current climate it is important that Derry and Donegal are working jointly to exploit whatever economic opportunities arise for us that can benefit people living in the North West region.

"The North West region has a well deserved reputation as a location of excellence, we have a well educated youthful workforce and have the will to get the work done, we believe that the financial services sector provides us with a unique opportunity to provide a vibrant economy for the region," he said.

Mr McGurk added that a lot of positive work was being done on the ground between Derry and Donegal councils and the development agencies on both sides of the border to create the right conditions to foster growth and co-operation across the border.

Michael McLoone, County Manager with Donegal County Council added that other issues of importance to both councils were discussed at the meetings, including sports development and cross border health issues.

(BMcC)