Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

210. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost of developing a border development zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46233/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The concept of a specific Border Development Zone as a means of fostering economic recovery in the cross-border region of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland was initially proposed by the Centre for Cross Border Studies (CCBS) in their Bradley/Best economic study of 2012 and I am aware that the CCBS has undertaken further research on the topic in the intervening period also. I also note that the Deputy’s party proposed such a Zone in a policy document earlier this year.

The possible development of a Border Development Zone could raise significant issues involving EU State Aid Rules and other EU provisions and it would also, of course, require detailed negotiations between both Administrations on this island. There would also be significant resource issues, which would be challenging. I am not aware that detailed costings have been carried out in relation to the proposal. I expect that these would obviously depend of the exact nature and functions of such a body. As you will be aware, this Government have initiated a significant reduction in the number of Bodies and Agencies, in order to achieve more effective administration and delivery of services, so that a very strong case needs to be made to justify the creation of new bodies. I would again emphasise that any new structures to be put in place would require the full agreement of the Northern Ireland authorities. Both administrations on the island are focussed on developing the existing mechanisms and on making them work better.

Developing new, regionally-based, economic structures could be a significant policy development, and one requiring careful consideration. The need to avoid duplication would be paramount, in the interests of utilising scarce State resources efficiently. It is therefore worth noting that there are already several mechanisms in place to pursue cross border economic development.

I strongly believe that we should continue to build on the structures already in place and on what has been achieved in that region. The work of the Cross Border Body, InterTrade Ireland,has been foremost in this regard, with a significant range of enterprise development initiatives and programmes in place. My Department jointly funds and provides oversight to this Body, together with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Belfast, and it represents a very effective mechanism for tackling business development on an all-island basis. In addition, there is on-going co-operation between Enterprise Irelandand its Northern Ireland counterpart agency, Invest Northern Irelandon areas of mutual interest.

Over recent years, a range of projects under the Enterprise Development theme of the INTERREG IVA Programme (2009-2015) have made a significant impact on developing small businesses in the region. My Department co-funded this strand of this INTERREG Programme, under which a total of 28 individual projects have been initiated. I now look forward to the roll out of the successor Programme for the period up to 2020, which will support Research and Innovation initiatives.

The operation of the North South Ministerial Council, in which I fully participate, both in its Plenary format and also in the Trade and Business Sectoral format with my counterpart from the Northern Ireland Executive, is an ongoing forum which can develop practical North South initiatives.