A new multi-agency taskforce backed by both governments and operating within a 15 kilometres zone either side of the Border, has been proposed by Fine Gael.
Party leader Enda Kenny said the proposed agency would help eliminate difficulties unique to the region, such as dealing with two currencies, two legislative assemblies and different Vat and tax rates.
This afternoon Mr Kenny said the regional development agencies in the area were doing a good job in attracting support such as EU Interreg and Peace Programme grants.
But he said a renewed focus was necessary to create niche businesses such as those which could attract a share of the €6.4billion fund announced this week for research and innovation support, by EU Commissioner Maire Geoghan Quinn.
Speaking in Co Cavan where he launched an interim report of his party’s Border Forum Mr Kenny said the region has been held back for more than 90 years – with one of the most recent blows being news of redundancies at the Quinn Group.
The Border Forum was set up by Mr Kenny in May and includes contributions from Fine Gael front bench spokespeople on how to lift the economic fortunes of the area.
