Business council calls for expansion of all-Ireland initiatives

More ambition is needed on an all-Ireland level to deal with the issues of waste, spatial planning, transport and education, it was claimed tonight.

Calls were also made for a more competitive all-island economy to take centre stage during the current political movements in the North.

The IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council, which brings together the main business groups on the island, believes that improved economic growth and competitiveness will bring greater prosperity to both parts of the island.

It stated with recent political progress there is now a window of opportunity to move the economic agenda centre stage.

“The Joint Business Council intends to continue its work in critical areas such as infrastructure, labour mobility and skills, but plans to develop new initiatives in areas such as technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and R&D in the coming years,” said Declan Billington, Chairman of CBI Northern Ireland.

Successful cross-border initiatives highlighted by the council included:

:: A joint North South contract on the Dundalk/Newry road upgrade through which the new road will be constructed faster and more cost effectively.

:: The establishment of a Single Electricity Market.

:: Some progress in abolishing roaming charges for mobile phone users.

:: Recent trade missions led by Irish and British ministers where companies from both parts of the island have participated.

Mr Billington added that such initiatives are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the overall potential for greater collaboration.

“More ambition is needed on an all-island level to deal with the issues of waste, spatial planning, transport and education,” he said. “I look forward to forthcoming proposals from the two governments on these areas.”

President Mary McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese, were among the delegates at the council meeting in Dublin City University where a new strategy for the period form 2007 to 2013 was adopted.

IBEC President Maurice Healy, said: “The President and Dr McAleese have been tireless advocates of peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland and have encouraged everyone to strive for greater collaboration and co-operation in order to yield benefits for everyone, North and South.

“In its role, the IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council has been working for improved economic co-operation since it was established 15 years ago.”

The new strategy was backed by Sinn Fein economy spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin.

He said the party has engaged with business leaders, trade unions and civic society in building the demand for the all-Ireland agenda.

“This is the clearest recognition of the acceptance that there is a huge untapped potential within the all-Ireland approach,” said Mr McLaughlin.

“We must make the most of this growing momentum to ensure that delivery from both the Irish and British governments is consistent with the demand for a substantial step change in the all-Ireland approach across a number of key areas.

“The Irish and British governments have given the commitment to deliver a peace dividend, particularly to address the infrastructure deficit. We need to see an integrated approach to address the need for balanced regional development and investment in infrastructure.”

The IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council was established in 1991 by CBI Northern Ireland and IBEC.

The mission of the Joint Council is to sustain and develop economic co-operation in the island of Ireland and to advance international competitiveness. The council meets twice a year and alternates its meetings between Belfast and Dublin.