UK and IT will be key post- Brexit
SLIGO must collaborate and show ambition as one of its strategies post- Brexit. That’s according to Sligo County Council Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes.
He gave the following statement to The Sligo Champion after Theresa May triggered Article 50 last week:
“There is no doubt that Brexit presents challenges, although there remains considerable uncertainty around the scale and extent of those challenges. It is expected that these will evolve over the coming period of negotiations but even at this stage it is clear that all agencies must collaborate to create the conditions to succeed. It is critical for example that ‘ Sligo Inc.’ continues to innovate with projects like the Building Block, advances the infrastructure deficits such as the N4 upgrade, provides a good tourism offering and continues to build strategic alliances to provide competitive advantage.
“One strategic alliance currently being advanced is between Ireland West Airport, Knock and Stewart Airport outside New York and is an alliance that has potential to bring benefits to the Northwest region in tourism, business and trade. Another relates to the opening of a Trade Office in Providence, Rhode Island, an initiative that presents opportunities for small businesses in Sligo and the region to expand their markets.
“As for trading relations with the UK, competitive advantage can be gained with detailed knowledge of the complex tariff structures where innovations can be made to reduce exposure to higher tariffs. The Council, through the LEO’s, will work closely with Intertrade Ireland and local SME’s under the EU’s Co- Innovate programme to advise on tariffs and ensure the SME’s can position themselves for the challenges ahead.
“I believe that the Sligo Economic Forum has the expertise and capacity to put in place the necessary planning to position Sligo and the Northwest to deal with Brexit and exploit the opportunities that lie ahead of us.
“Brexit will also focus the mind on the need for a Technical University for Sligo and the region and the important role such an institution will play in fostering a culture of entrepreneurism and producing a highly educated and skilled workforce capable of dealing with the current unprecedented issues.
“It is only through such a flexible and innovative joint approach within Sligo that we can position ourselves to deal with Brexit and also reap potential rewards from the location of FDI companies choosing Sligo as a base in an English speaking country in the EU.
“Ultimately Sligo’s success will depend on it’s ability to collaborate, be creative and innovative and show ambition. For its’ part, Sligo County Council is willing to play its’ part,” he said.