Project Analyses Impact of 25 Years of Cross Border Bodies

As part of a Strand2@25" project, Chief Executives and Directors from Foras na Gaeilge, InterTradeIreland, Loughs Agency, Safefood, the Special EU Programmes Body, Tourism Ireland, the Ulster-Scots Agency and Waterways Ireland joined Cormac Devlin TD, Senators and TDs at a event to celebrate and analyse their 25 years in operation.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), Strand 2@25 is a twenty-four month project managed by the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation (CCBC) in Armagh. The project aims to record the collective impacts of the North South Implementation Bodies and use the learning from that process to improve strategic cross border cooperation in the future.

Speaking in Seanad Éireann, Cormac Devlin TD, Cathaoirleach (Chair) of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: “Seven cross-border organisations were established in 1999 under Strand 2 of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement. Tourism Ireland was incorporated in December 2000. Together they have had a positive impact in terms of social, economic, environmental and cooperation. I’m delighted to welcome speakers and guests to the Seanad for the S2@25 event which, coincidentally, is on the same day as the first meeting of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.”

JP O’Doherty, Joint Interim Designated Officer at Loughs Agency, said: “Our participation in the S2@25 project highlights the progress made over the past 25 years through cross-border cooperation under Strand 2 of the Good Friday Agreement. As we mark this important milestone, Loughs Agency remains dedicated to the sustainable management of Foyle and Carlingford Loughs, protecting the environment, and contributing to peace and prosperity in our region. This project gives us a chance to build on our achievements and work together for a better future.”

Dr Anthony Soares, Director at the Centre, explained: “PEACEPLUS funding, and the earlier Interreg funding, have made a significant contribution in addressing peace and reconciliation over the last 40 years." adding "Our research will critique the collective impacts of their 25 years in operation. We are delighted to be supported by our S2@25 project partner, Atlantic Technological University.”

John McDonagh, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland, added: “Waterways Ireland is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of 1,100 km of inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes. We are also the leading provider of greenways with 650 km of trails, including blueways. We have approximately 3.5 million users of our waterways annually and we have generated value of €809 million in the last 12 months. We are proud of what we have achieved over the past 25 years. Through the implementation of our 10-year plan, we are ambitious to grow social, economic and environmental well-being value for the public good, by enabling inspirational waterways experiences for the benefit of all.”

Senator Maria Byrne, Leas-Chathaoirleach (Deputy Chair) of Seanad Eireann, concluded: “It was wonderful to learn of the findings of the collaborative cooperation over the last 25 years and by learning from one another and working together it can have a positive economic impact on business north and south of the border but it strengthens ties for further cooperation and collaboration. It has been very positive to date and wishing all organisations all the best for the future as they move forward together.”