Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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141. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment as he prepares to address a cross-Border business conference in Dundalk next month, the new supports he will put in place to help businesses in the Dublin to Belfast economic corridor to cope with the continuing challenges of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9003/23]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As noted, I have been invited to attend a conference on the cross-border economy organised by the Dundalk and Newry Chambers on 8 March. I look forward to having the opportunity to address the conference and highlight the work of my Department, both on a cross-border basis and in the North-East specifically.

In the context of growing and developing cross-border trade and business, it is important to note the work of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor. The Government is supportive of this initiative and has set out in the National Planning Framework how it wants to build on the strengths of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor to capitalise on the clear economic potential of the region.

Local stakeholders within the region, including the three Local Authorities, the enterprise agencies, Local Enterprise Offices, the Regional Skills Forum and the business community meet through the Steering Committee for the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024. On 2 February 2023, Louth County Council gave an update to the Committee on the Corridor. While the Corridor is not a specific action within the Plan, it is seen as key strength within the region.

In addition, IDA Ireland is continuing to market the region to potential investors leveraging infrastructure projects such as the M1 Dublin-Belfast Corridor, alongside the region's rich talent pool and strong track record for industry. I am confident that through the collaborative efforts from the local stakeholders and enterprise agencies, the region will remain competitive as a business and investment location.

Particularly due to its cross-border nature, I appreciate that businesses along the Corridor may be concerned about the impacts of Brexit.

Given the key strategic importance for Ireland of a strong economic relationship with the UK, the Irish Government has invested significant resources to support Irish traders and operators to manage the permanent change Brexit brought for them.

My Department has worked closely with its agencies to support business to adapt to the new trading environment. InterTradeIreland (ITI), the cross-border trade and business development body, has worked to help businesses navigate the post-Brexit trading environment and the difficulties faced. Its Brexit Advisory Service was a successful programme, with ITI making over 18,000 total approvals over the duration of the scheme, to a total value of more than €7 million.

ITI is currently developing a new Trade Information Service that will build on the success of its Advisory Service. ITI estimates that it will reach a wider audience of 44,000 cross-border traders. It is finalising the development of the scheme, which will have a soft launch in June of this year, followed by a formal launch in September.

Enterprise Ireland has also played an important role in supporting businesses in adapting to Brexit through its Post-Brexit Advisory Support and its Evolve Strategic Planning Grant.

The Irish Government, my Department and its officials will all continue to work closely with our agencies and relevant stakeholders to mitigate the challenges in this new trading environment and maximise opportunities. It is only by engaging with the businesses most affected that we can provide effective supports to ensure that Irish companies can continue to grow and prosper.