Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin TD has asserted that Northern Ireland and border counties should form a “special economic zone” post-Brexit to minimise the impact Britain leaving the EU could have on the region.
RTÉ reports that while speaking in Cambridge, he said; “Northern Ireland will not break out of a cycle of low incomes and poverty – in fact, things will get worse – unless there is a move to address its structural problems.
“I believe the answer is the creation of a Special Economic Zone in Northern Ireland and at least the border counties in the South. This can be done while fully respecting the constitutional rights protected in the Good Friday Agreement and incorporated into both UK and Irish law.”
He said that it should “not be hard” to certify that NI businesses conform to EU standards in order to allow them market access.
Martin also hints that the establishment of such a zone could be a blessing in disguise; kick starting “long delayed and urgently needed development in the most disadvantaged region of these islands.”
He also highlighted his anxiety over the political turmoil at Stormont, saying that Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill’s failure to re-establish the Northern Irish Executive leaves Northern Ireland “voiceless during Brexit negotiations.”
“We have to do things differently if we are to prevent Brexit causing deep destruction to relations and progress in these islands.”
This follows Health Minister Simon Harris yesterday stating that the “unique circumstances” of Northern Ireland and its bordering counties are being handled sensitively by the UK and the EU.
With regard to his department, Minister Harris outlined that cross-border healthcare will remain “unwavering” post-Brexit, with specific reference to Donegal patients’ access to the radiotherapy facilities in Altnagelvin in particular.
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