Monaghan County Councillor Matt Carthy has welcomed as ‘extremely positive’ the engagement between the members of the Border, Midlands and Western Regional Assembly (of which he is one) and Gerry Kelly who is a Sinn Féin Junior Minister in the Six County Assembly.
Speaking after the Assembly meeting, which was held in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, South Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor, Matt Carthy, said that said that there is a growing need for strong, focused co-operation through all sectors of business and government across the island to produce practical, mutually beneficial outcomes.
He stated that the demand for a United Ireland must be made louder than ever as it is clear that partition has failed every corner of Ireland. He welcomed Gerry Kelly’s remarks especially on those areas, which could have a significant and positive impact on the County Monaghan economy in the short term.
It is clear, he said that the Dublin government alongside their Stormont counterparts must work together to immediately develop a harmonised All-Ireland economy.
“That is the only way forward if this country is to develop its full potential” he said.
In a wide-ranging address to the Assembly by Gerry Kelly he highlighted the need for All-Ireland integration particularly in the current economic climate.
He said there was a recognition, across all parties in the Northern executive, of the importance of co-operation with their neighbours on a North/South and East/West basis and that importance is reflected in their Programme for Government.
Economy
“The key issue facing both jurisdictions presently is the economic downturn. At the North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting in January 2009, the First Minister and deputy First Minister and other Executive Ministers outlined the steps that are being taking to mitigate the effects of the downturn, including access to credit and establishing the Cross Sector Advisory Forum,” said Gerry.
“In turn the Taoiseach and Irish Government Ministers outlined the steps they are taking, particularly on infrastructure, innovation and banking.
“It was agreed by all that there was a need for continuing practical and mutually beneficial North South cooperation to assist in Government efforts to deal with the challenges of the downturn.
“Looking to the island as a whole the apparent lack of trade interdependence currently between the two economies of Ireland may also suggest that the two jurisdictions are missing out on lost opportunities to co-operate and gain mutual economic benefit.
“In making the transition to innovation-oriented economies both the North and the South face the challenge of increased global competition.
“Every source of competitive advantage must be sought and all island economic co-operation can be one such source. The Comprehensive Study of the All-Island Economy makes clear the strong economic imperative behind driving North/South co-operation.
“Appropriate areas for action for co-operation arise where the border creates impediments to faster economic growth, and where public goods such as infrastructure and public services could be more efficiently provided on a co-ordinated basis.
“The gains from collaborative action fall to both economies and will lead to mutual advantage,” said the North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA.
Infrastructure
Gerry outlined some of the Infrastructure projects that are currently being progressed and Cllr. Carthy has welcomed the fact that a key element of this includes the re-opening and development of the Ulster Canal.
He also stated that they are continuing to take forward co-operation to help deliver real benefits in areas such as infrastructure, trade and business, tourism, education and in tackling major issues such as child protection, suicide prevention, barriers to mobility, the environment and transport.
The Sinn Féin MLA outlined that, in Education for example, work is being taken forward on important issues such as special education including the all island Centre of Excellence for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders at Middletown.
The Sinn Féin Minister also outlined the positive steps that had been taken to combat illegal dumping on a cross border basis and to work together on other environmental issues.
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