The opportunities are there to make 2014 a year of investment, job creation, tourism and fulfilment, local Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson.
Martina Anderson
In a New Year message, Ms Anderson said such achievements could be realised “if we work together and go for them.”
Ms Anderson’s New Year message reads: “I wish everyone a very happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year. Úr bliain faoi mhaise daoibh uilig.
“I am sure that all of you will have some bitter as well as sweet memories of 2013 while planning better fortunes in the New Year.
“I have no doubt that following a tremendously successful Year of Culture you will have a special event or project that you particularly enjoyed.
“As MEP for all of the Six Counties I intend building on the experience of 2013 to ensure that all of my constituents are aware of and have access to all of the benefits that the EU has to offer.
“And while being mindful of my obligations to all of my constituents, I will use whatever influence I have to deliver on the full potential that Derry and the North West in general has to offer.
“As a border region, the North West has been traditionally neglected by both the Irish and British governments but neither has the potential of the EU been fully utilised to benefit the economy of the region.
“The level of European Union assistance, which has been awarded to cross-border projects in the North West to date, is but a fraction of what is available and that is where I intend to concentrate in the coming year – by ensuring that indigenous investors and entrepreneurs are fully aware of what is available and how to access it.
“The overall objective of the EU INTERREG programme is to support strategic cross-border co-operation for a more prosperous and sustainable region and my EU Office on Spencer Road, Waterside is available to assist and advise any organisation, group or individual with proposals.
“The programme focuses on developing a dynamic economy and supporting cross-border infrastructure, improving access to services so as to improve the quality of life for those living along the border corridor.
“The opportunities are there to make 2014 a year of investment, job creation, tourism and fulfilment of our potential if we work together and go for them.
“On a political level, my one wish for 2014 is that those who have not yet bought into the potential of the Peace Process to achieve their political objectives, realise the folly of their actions, and join the rest of us in a process that does not entail condemning another generation to years of imprisonment or loss of life, by constructing a new Ireland built on equality and respect.”
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