Foster encourages East-West co-operation on energy
Thursday, 22 October 2009Energy Minister Arlene Foster was in Edinburgh today to explore the opportunities for strengthening East-West energy and enterprise co-operation.
Arlene Foster, along with Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism in Scotland, and Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Republic of Ireland, addressed delegates at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) Joint Business Council Energy Summit.
The event brought together for the first time, business and political representatives from Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to address economic challenges and opportunities for increased energy co-operation.
Arlene Foster continued: "In Northern Ireland, we are working to secure a sustainable and competitive energy and electricity sector. Today’s summit provides us with an opportunity to explore how we can strengthen East-West linkages, enabling us to work more effectively and harness the significant renewable energy resources on our door step, as cheaply and efficiently as possible.
"We must ensure that sustainable regional energy markets are robust and responsive to consumer needs and support economic growth. Events such as this are a valuable contribution to advance regional collaboration between companies and governments. Together we hope to exploit opportunities in energy with the aim of growing our green economies and maximising additional employment opportunities."
The Ministers also discussed the potential for increased co-operation to further promote tourism in these challenging economic times.
Arlene Foster said: "Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are facing similar challenges to us in Northern Ireland during these harsh economic times. Through co-operation we can gain mutual benefits by seeking out opportunities to boost tourism growth.
"The Northern Ireland Tourist Board regularly meets with the Scottish Tourist Board, Visit Scotland, to progress areas of mutual interest.
"It is vital, particularly at this time, that we continue to work together and grow our tourism, by exploiting the strong links and excellent access between Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland."
Notes to Editors:
1. The CBI is the UK’s leading business organisation representing 240,000 businesses that employ a third of the private sector work force.
2. The IBEC is the National umbrella organisation for business and employers in the Republic of Ireland.
3. For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via the pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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