9th April 1998

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It has been announced that the University of Ulster has won support from both the British and Irish governments and the European Union for the £900,000 first phase of a new cross-border project. The project is funded under the EU's INTERREG II scheme, with the Department for Economic Development in Belfast and the Department of Finance in Dublin joint administrators. The southern partners in the project are the Local Government Computer Services Board.

The innovative 'BORDER' project (Business Opportunities for Regional Development and Economic Regeneration) has been established to meet the needs of a range of organizations in the border region, a region which has had its own economic difficulties and not always been viewed favourably by investors.

Both governments believe that the project has great potential in establishing the region's profile locally and internationally.

The news has been welcomed by Mr Adam Ingram, MP, Minister for Economic Development, who said:

"The development of geographically remote areas is an important feature for the economic development of the entire region."

"This cross border initiative is a clear example of partnership in action, which seeks to harness modern technology to ensure everyone in our community can share in a prosperous future."

Mr Charlie McCreevy, TD, Minister for Finance said in Dublin today that he welcomed the project. He described it as a "flagship project and one which would make a significant contribution to the economic development of the Border Region. Such projects demonstrated the value of co-operation and people pooling their expertise and skills."

Joint project director Dr Gerard Parr said: "Over the years the University has been approached many times by development agencies requesting information on economic and environmental issues relating to the border region. The University is using its expertise to respond to this need.

"The BORDER project will cover a wide range of development initiatives including local planning issues, the development and promotion of cross border trade networks, co-operation in tourism and facilitation of local economic action plans"

Dr Parr added: "The use of advanced telecommunications is a key requirement for the region's infrastructure and in economic development. It can strengthen the economic and social potential of outlying areas by bringing information and services to businesses, enabling SMEs to fulfil their competitive potential in a wider marketplace. It is an excellent example of the opportunities offered by information technology."

Brian McCarthy is European Information Officer for Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

"One of our greatest concerns regarding potential cross-border trade is the severely inadequate infrastructure between ourselves and our northern colleagues. We see the BORDER Project as a means to overcome some of the difficulties posed by such inadequacies."

The project's other joint director, Dr Adrian Moore, is critical of the current situation. He states:

"The technology will also make relevant regional information internationally. Potential inward investors will be able to look at local data in support of their business plans.

"The availability of an advanced telecommunications network gives a region significant advantages and its introduction to regions with 'Less Favoured' status is crucial to their economic welfare. Failure to develop along these lines will result in increasing disadvantage for the border region.

"The present inability of users to exploit available technology can be attributed to a combination of lack of awareness, poor access to facilities, distrust of new technology and inadequacy of training. BORDER will address each of these issues."

The project will use a database to which partners on both sides of the border will have access using advanced telecommunications. It is planned that the information will presented in a user friendly way, using the latest multimedia technology. This will involve the provision of interactive maps of the region which, when viewed on a computer, will display information on opportunities for investment and development. This system, known as a Geographical Information System, has made a project of this scale possible.

The first phase of the scheme will last for 18 months and will be based in four locations on either side of the border.

Any organizations or companies interested in further information on BORDER can access the project web-server at (http://www.border.ulst.ac.uk) where additional 'Site Tender' details can be viewed. Alternatively you can email the Project Directors (Dr Adrian Moore, a.moore@ulst.ac.uk or Dr Gerard Parr, gp.parr@ulst.ac.uk ).

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk