Call to end €120million log-jam

Addressing the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement this week, I spoke about the need to safeguard the €1.6billion European funding earmarked for programmes here and in the border regions.

I am on record as saying that the statement made by the British Chancellor around EU funds falls far short of what’s needed, particularly in relation to the PEACE and INTERREG Cross Border programmes and leaves €1.1billion, due to be issued post-November, at risk.

However, my concern is equally for the €500million earmarked for release pre-Autumn statement. What we have from the Chancellor is a commitment that project approvals contracted in advance of the Autumn Statement, now confirmed as 23 November, will be underwritten by the Treasury.

In that regard, the Executive, my department, the Special EU Programmes Body and the INTERREG panels have all stepped up to expedite those funding applications to ensure that money is released to the peacemakers, the bridge builders, the entrepreneurs and the job creators on the ground. However, in spite of these monumental efforts, we have €120million of letters of offer for cross-border, transformative job, environmental and health projects log-jammed in the system.

Notwithstanding the uncertainties and challenges surrounding the EU Referendum, I have respectfully suggested that the Irish Government, the British Government and the EU Commission should commit to working together to ensure the timely release of this €120million. For our part, we can do no more.

Partnering with border regions to seize opportunity

This morning I visited Strabane to meet with business leaders and representatives from the local college, council and community sector. As a border region, the people of Strabane know only too well the challenges of operating on the periphery of two economies, and there is palpable concern in the area about the impact of the EU referendum and the further obstacles that this presents. We spoke about the potential and opportunity that exists in Strabane and the importance of partnership and investment to usher in a new era of prosperity for the town.

I also made a visit to Allstate during my trip to Strabane – a very impressive operation and an excellent example of how investment can provide real opportunity for local people.

Innovation Factory

Delighted to attend the opening of the pioneering new Innovation Factory in Belfast this week. It’s great to see the former Mackies site reborn as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. I’m confident this impressive facility will go from strength to strength in the time ahead.

In Pictures