Fennell Communications Releases

Sligo & Leitrim Members and Staff of the Border Regional Authority with Minister for Small Business, John Perry T.D.

Front L to R (Seated): Cllr. Andrew Boylan (Cathaoirleach), Minister John Perry, Caroline Brady (Director), Rosie Smith (Staff), Hubert Kearns (County Manager, Sligo County Council)
Back L to R: Olive Hannigan (Staff), Padraig Maguire (Staff), Cllr. Hubert Keaney, Cllr. Thomas Collery, Cllr. Matt Lyons, Cllr. Dara Mulvey, Cllr. Sean McSharry, Cllr. Gerry Dolan, Cllr. John McCartin, Cllr. Tony Ferguson, Cllr. Frank Dolan.

Minister for Small Business meets with Border Regional Authority

- Border Regional Authority invited to make submission to Advisory Group for Small Business

Minister for Small Business, John Perry T.D., recently addressed a meeting of the Border Regional Authority.  During his visit the Minister met with the Cathaoirleach of the Authority, Cllr. Andrew Boylan, and newly appointed Director of the Authority, Caroline Brady.

The Border Regional Authority is one of eight Regional Authorities established in 1994 to provide a regional tier of government level in Ireland.  The aim of the Authority is to achieve sustainable, balanced regional growth and development whilst ensuring that quality of life, the environment and Irelands unique culture and heritage are protected and enhanced.  

Minister Perry addressed the meeting as part of his ongoing dialogue to consult and interact with the small business community, across all sectors throughout Ireland, to hear their views, and most importantly, to make recommendations for action on the issues raised.

During the comprehensive meeting Minister Perry commended the Border Regional Authority on the critical work they undertake and their aim to promote the co-ordination of the provision of public services at regional level.

Councillor Boylan and Ms. Brady raised the concerns of the Authority in relation to the development needs and investment priorities of the region.  They also raised the issue of access to credit for small businesses in the region and the commercial challenges of cross border trade with Northern Ireland.

Responding to these concerns Minister Perry invited the Authority to become part of the consultative process on these issues and invited them to make a submission to the Advisory Group for Small Business.  

“The Advisory Group has enabled me, as Minister for Small Business, to keep very much in touch with the reality of what is facing small businesses today. Their Report, which was launched last November, provided a strong input into the Action Plan for Jobs. It contains practical and pragmatic ideas which aim to address immediate barriers that small businesses face every day.

“Highlighting the issue of commercial challenges of cross border trade with Northern Ireland will help to ensure that the voice of small businesses in the region are heard to help the Government to create an environment to support them to develop their businesses.

“Small business is not only a vital part of our economy; it is a vital part of our society and local communities as well. That is why I want to ensure that the business environment is supportive for locally traded businesses.

“I look forward to working with the members of the Border Regional Authority, to promote an enabling environment for business to operate and thereby improve the overall competitiveness of our economy.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Sinéad Fennell, Communications Advisor to Minister Perry, 086 6075266

Sinéad Fennell, MPRII, MEIC
Fennell Communications
Telephone: 00 353 86 607 5266
Email: sinead@fennellcommunications.ie
Web: www.fennellcommunications.ie