The Minister is representing the Northern Ireland Executive at a European Union Open Days event which is designed to raise the profile of the activities of regional government across the countries of the European Union. This year’s theme is ''Making it happen: regions deliver growth and jobs''.
During her meeting with Ms Hubner, who heads up the EU’s Northern Ireland Taskforce set up earlier this year, the Minister said:
“EU countries have much to learn from the Northern Ireland experience. During my visit, I will be telling European colleagues about our achievements in regeneration and urban development, and how our experiences can help regions in the European Union. The Northern Ireland Taskforce will act as a conduit for us to engage more widely in Europe.
“Northern Ireland’s increased social and economic confidence is tangible. We are in the middle of an unsurpassed urban renewal and other regions of Europe that are just emerging from conflict and a depressed economy can take lessons from much of our efforts here.”
The renaissance of the waterfront area of Belfast will be highlighted during the Open Days, with the work of Laganside and Titanic Quarter being prominent.
“My Department is maximising the potential of this new-found investor confidence in Belfast. The Victoria Square Centre will extend Laganside’s impact into the heart of the city, major plans are in progress for the North East and North West Quarters and a multi-million pound programme will improve key streets and public space in and around the city centre. There is a powerful success story to tell,” the Minister said.
Margaret Ritchie will also address a seminar hosted by the Special EU Programmes Body on Ireland’s experience of peace and reconciliation with the support of PEACE funding.
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