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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Cross-border initiative unveiled | Cross-border initiative unveiled |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The British and Irish governments have announced a major cross-border initiative on economic co-operation. | The British and Irish governments have announced a major cross-border initiative on economic co-operation. |
| Since the St Andrews Agreement, there had been speculation the governments were drawing up a multi-million pound package of investment. | Since the St Andrews Agreement, there had been speculation the governments were drawing up a multi-million pound package of investment. |
| This would be for infrastructure, healthcare and energy links. | This would be for infrastructure, healthcare and energy links. |
| It follows speculation that the Republic plans to spend hundreds of millions of pounds on infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland. | It follows speculation that the Republic plans to spend hundreds of millions of pounds on infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland. |
| The governments believe "joined up planning" will deliver better value for money and aid regional development. | The governments believe "joined up planning" will deliver better value for money and aid regional development. |
| Upgrading | |
| Specific projects are not mentioned, but it has been reported that the Irish government is planning to contribute up to £700m to a major spending package in Northern Ireland. | Specific projects are not mentioned, but it has been reported that the Irish government is planning to contribute up to £700m to a major spending package in Northern Ireland. |
| This may include upgrading the Londonderry to Aughnacloy Road, helping to provide radiotherapy facilities at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry and co-funding the construction of the new north-south electricity interconnector. | This may include upgrading the Londonderry to Aughnacloy Road, helping to provide radiotherapy facilities at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry and co-funding the construction of the new north-south electricity interconnector. |
| All of these projects would have benefits for residents in the Republic, as well those in the north. | All of these projects would have benefits for residents in the Republic, as well those in the north. |
| At St Andrews, the prime minister and taoiseach told the parties that both governments would ensure that a new Stormont executive would be given the capacity to provide quality public service and make long-term capital investments. | At St Andrews, the prime minister and taoiseach told the parties that both governments would ensure that a new Stormont executive would be given the capacity to provide quality public service and make long-term capital investments. |
| The initiative was welcomed by SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell who said unionists should "have nothing to fear from theannouncement". | |
| "This puts the flesh on the bones of our north-south agenda, which we have been running with for some time," he said. | |
| "It is absolutely nonsensical that there should be an economic boom in Dublin and 100 miles away in Belfast there is economic stagnation." |