Cross border funding at Brexit risk

THERE are almost €132m in cross border projects that ‘must not fall victim to Brexit uncertainty’ according to Louth MEP Mairead McGuinness.

Speaking at a meeting of the East Border region agency in Newry this week, the MEP said the projects involve ‘a whole spectrum of important initiatives designed to boost the economic and social life of communities on both sides of the border.’

‘Arising from the Brexit vote important development projects in the border area, worth in the region of €132 million, risk being stalled unless there is clarity about the future of the funding mechanisms and renewed commitment to implementing projects.’

The East Border Region is the key cross border body which facilitates cross border economic development and involves six Local Authorities, including Louth and Meath.

The MEP said these projects are funded jointly by the EU and the two Governments.

‘A significant 85pc of the funds for these projects come from the EU. Uncertainty, like about the timing of Brexit, has given rise to caution in the relevant government departments about committing to projects which have a life span beyond 2020 for completion,’ said Ms. McGuinness

‘In the Brexit discussions it is important to recognise the impact the current uncertainty is having at local level, among communities and businesses.

She added: ‘Nowhere is such work more critical to ensure continuity and certainty than in the border region. I hope that in the coming weeks, the importance of providing certainty to these projects will overrule the concerns about the Brexit timeframe.’