‘We leave politics at the door’
Work of East Border Region praised as body celebrates 50 years
County Monaghan has been both a significant contributor to, and beneficiary of, the work of the East Border Region (EBR) cross-border body since its establishment almost 50 years ago.
That was the message delivered by EBR Programmes Manager Dette Hughes when she addressed Monaghan County Council’s June meeting, marking the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
The EBR brings together councillors and officials from Monaghan, Louth and Meath, alongside representatives from local authorities in Newry, Mourne and Down; Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon; and Ards and North Down.
Ms Hughes described the EBR as an example of “genuine cross-Border co-operation”, a sentiment echoed by outgoing Cathaoirleach PJ O’Hanlon, who also serves as chair of the EBR. Monaghan is represented on the body by Cllrs O’Hanlon, Aidan Campbell, Noel Keelan and Raymond Aughey.
Cllr O’Hanlon paid tribute to former Monaghan Sinn Féin councillor Jackie Crowe, who represented the county on the committee for many years. “He was always positive and enthusiastic about its work,” he said.
Council Chief Executive Robert Burns highlighted the importance of the EBR and the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) to the county, noting that “some of the most significant cross-Border initiatives in County Monaghan started in the darkest times”.
He said Monaghan is uniquely placed to contribute to cross-border organisations because of the profound impact the Border has had on the county.
Director of Services Cathal Flynn said maintaining strong cross-border relationships is hugely beneficial for Monaghan, adding that several significant projects are due to be delivered through the EBR under the PEACEPLUS programme.
Addressing councillors, Ms Hughes recalled how the EBR was formed in 1976 during a period of high unemployment, emigration, low investment and political instability.
“Cross-border co-operation wasn’t very fashionable then,” she said. “We had no support from Dublin, Belfast or Westminster, just the vision of local authority elected and executive members.”
She added that the EBR is now one of the longest-serving local authority cross-border groups in Europe and has always operated under the principle: “We leave politics at the door.”
Ms Hughes identified the introduction of the EU’s INTERREG programme in 1990 and the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 as major turning points, helping the organisation expand its role in delivering cross-border projects.
She acknowledged the contribution of former Monaghan representatives including Cllr Crowe, the late Dr Rory O’Hanlon TD and former councillor Pádraig McNally.
The county, she said, has benefited significantly from EBR-led initiatives. Among these are funding for the Ulster Canal Greenway and the FASTER project, which delivered rapid electric vehicle charging points in Monaghan Town and at the Civic Offices in Carrickmacross.
Clones is also set to benefit through the development of a mini digi-hub in the former Bank of Ireland building as part of a wider regional programme launched at Monaghan Peace Campus last year.
Other projects include the CALM initiative to improve water quality and the BRIDGE programme, which focuses on leadership, governance and public service training in partnership with ICBAN.
Ms Hughes noted that the proposed Narrow Water Bridge linking Counties Louth and Down was discussed at the very first EBR meeting in 1976 and is now progressing through the Shared Island Fund.
She also outlined plans for the annual conference of the Association of European Border Regions, which will take place in Carrickmacross in October as part of the EBR’s anniversary celebrations.
“Monaghan County Council has always been a valued member of the EBR,” she said. “The Council and all our constituent authorities have enjoyed significant economic benefits from membership, but the key benefit enjoyed by all has been peace-building on a cross-border basis.”
Councillors from across the chamber praised the organisation’s work.
Cllr Noel Keelan commended its grassroots approach and said the EBR is doing “massive work” in County Monaghan.
Cllr Pat Treanor said the work of both the EBR and ICBAN is focused on attracting investment to a region that experienced years of neglect.
Cllr Richard Truell described the Narrow Water Bridge project as having “massive development potential”, while also highlighting the importance of the planned digi-hub in Clones, a town heavily affected by partition.
Cllr Aidan Campbell said the EBR had endured difficult periods but had always provided a forum where representatives from different backgrounds could work together.
“From the start it has been an organisation where all parties could sit around a table together when sometimes they could not do this in other places,” he said.
Summing up the discussion, Cathaoirleach PJ O’Hanlon said the EBR’s projects are ultimately focused on improving people’s lives. He also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the delivery of the A5 Western Transport Corridor to improve road safety and strengthen north-south connectivity.
“The projects taken on by the EBR are all about people,” he said.