Construction among ‘most promising’ sectors for closer business ties to Ireland

Published yesterday by minister for foreign affairs, Simon Coveney, and cabinet secretary for external affairs, Michael Russell, the Ireland-Scotland Joint Bilateral Review Report sets out a series of joint actions to be taken in the areas of business and the economy; community and diaspora; culture; academic and research links; and rural, coastal and island communities as well as government and political relations.

The review states: “Responses to the review stressed the already positive nature of economic relations between Ireland and Scotland, and broadly indicated that there is potential for significant growth in this area. The shared industries that underpin both economies provide this potential. Construction, agricultural machinery, renewable energy, food and beverage, digital health, and financial services are the most promising sectors. Ireland-Scotland trade is a mix between multinational companies and SMEs.”

With over forty recommendations across five thematic areas, the report will guide Ireland-Scotland collaboration over the coming five years.

These include:

• regular high-level contact between Scottish and Irish Ministers and continued cooperation through the British-Irish Council, an institution of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement
• a new Ireland-Scotland Trade Taskforce, supported by the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh and the Scottish Government Office in Dublin, which will work with the public and private sectors to develop and support trade relations
• a conference this year to address the opportunities and challenges of living in rural, coastal and island communities, to be convened by both governments, working with the University of Highlands and Islands and Údarás na Gaeltachta
• a series of cultural exchanges and collaborations, including joint programming in support of the Colmcille 1500 celebrations, reflecting the international legacy of this pivotal figure in our shared cultural, legal and ecclesiastical history
• Shared Irish and Scottish diaspora and heritage events to take place in the US and Canada this year

Other recommendations envisage deeper cooperation on health issues; a new framework for cooperation on education; research and development of offshore renewable energy technologies; and exploring together how to increase participation and inclusivity in sport.  

Minister for foreign affairs Simon Coveney, T.D., said: “Undertaking a bilateral review jointly has been a first for each of our governments. 

“Its purpose was simple: to ensure that the closeness, the cooperation, and the natural connectivity of the Irish-Scottish relationship was strengthened in a changing international environment.

“Through the recommendations in this review, I know we will enhance our shared work across many fields.

“We will work more closely as governments to manage challenges together, including to support our broader recovery from COVID-19 in the coming years.  I see this review as both a platform, on which our relationship will grow; and a map, which will guide that growth.”

External affairs secretary Michael Russell said: “We are delighted to publish this report, and look forward to building on the great friendship we have by enhancing co-operation at this time of unprecedented change and challenge.

“This review is a starting point for the next five years, and indeed beyond. We have created the signposts which point the way for our ambitions to work together to benefit business, the creative and cultural sector, education and a range of other areas of importance to both our countries.

“By creating further opportunities, we know we will see new ideas emerge, as the relationship continues to evolve. In order to ensure that the ambition in our recommendations is realised, we are committed to meeting annually, when we will not only look at what we have done, but also set new, ambitious, shared objectives.”