19 October 2006 Edition
Conference for Newry on cross border integration
Sinn Féin is hosting an All Ireland conference, on the theme of Building an Integrated future for the Border Region, on Tuesday 24 October, in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, with registration at 10am.
The event will act as a forum for presentations and discussions around the important issue of cross border integration in Ireland.
It will involve an audience of individuals and groups involved in delivering cross-border projects, as well as policy makers from departmental and local government level, both north and south.
Local MP Conor Murphy will open the conference, and the morning session will involve presentations and discussion, on the importance, benefits and need for increased cross-border integration, from a panel of speakers - Kate Burns (CEO, ICBAN), Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone, Dr. Patricia Clarke (Centre for Cross Border Studies) and John O'Driscoll, from Harvard University, speaking on behalf of the International Centre for Local & Regional Development. The session will be chaired by Caoimhghín Ó'Caoláin, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan.
Following lunch, Barry McElduff MLA will introduce Gerry Adams MP, President Sinn Féin, who will open the afternoon session, and this will be followed by presentations from cross-border projects operating in the fields of health (CAWT), tourism (Green Box) and the environment (Stem).
Mike Smith, Senior Lecturer with Economics at the University of Ulster will speak on the topic of "Economic regeneration in the border region". This session to be chaired by Donegal County Councillor, Padraig Mac Lochlainn
The final session of the conference will place the discussions around integration in Ireland's border region into a wider European context, with speakers including Jens Gabbe (Secretary General, Association of European Border Regions), Shaun Henry (SEUPB) and Fernando Moniz from the EU Regional Policy Directorate. Session to be chaired by Sinn Féin national chairperson and MEP for Dublin, Mary Lou McDonald.
The conference will be closed by Sean McManus, Sinn Féin Sligo County councillor.
This event should of particular interest to groups and individuals working on cross-border projects in this area. Further details, and confirmations of attendance, are being dealt with by Conor Murphy MP's office, 028 (048) 261693.