merrion street

The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh. TD, is this morning, as part of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit, hosting a meeting of local stakeholders in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Minister McHugh has convened the meeting to hear, as the Brexit negotiations draw nearer, the views of those living and working in the North West and wider border region on how best to protect the progress that has been made in the area in recent years and how to maximise the regional potential in the North West and wider border region.
The event has been organised in partnership with Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Speaking at this morning’s event Minister McHugh said:
“I am delighted to be hosting this important discussion here in Donegal in partnership with the two Councils. It has been recognised across the European Union and by the EU Brexit Negotiating Team that the border areas on this island are the areas that will feel the impact of Brexit most significantly.
“This gathering of interested parties provides business and community leaders in the North West region with an opportunity to feed their views into the Government’s planning.
“Initiatives like the North West Strategic Growth Partnership have helped to deliver growth and prosperity over the past few years. The Partnership offers a regional-focussed forum and a lens through which the very significant challenges arising from Brexit may be addressed on the ground.
“Today’s All-Island Sectoral Dialogue will allow me to hear a wide range of voices from the North West and wider border areas and to build on the spirit of cooperation and collaboration which exists in these areas as we work together to protect the gains of the Peace Process. ”


Note to Editors:
As part of the Government’s consultative work on Brexit, the All-Island Civic Dialogue was launched by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in November, and a second plenary meeting was held in Dublin Castle in Dublin Castle on Friday, 17 February.
16 All-Island Sectoral Dialogues have been hosted by Ministers in a wide range of locations across the country.
These are an invaluable opportunity for Ministers to hear directly about the implications of Brexit, from a wide variety of stakeholders.
Further details on the All-Island Civic Dialogue process are available here: http://www.merrionstreet.ie/en/EU-UK/Consultations/