How Brexit could benefit a rural county like Mayo

Continued EU support for transport investment projects in Ireland will become even more important in the context of Brexit, after which our peripheral location on the western point of Europe will leave us even more isolated from other EU Member States.

That's according to Transport Minister Shane Ross.

In a submission to EU Mobility Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc, he said Ireland 2040 aims to highlight the actions, including capital investment, required to strengthen the Northern and Western Regions.

He stated: “The action is needed to mitigate the adverse effects of the UK's exit from the EU which are expected to impact disproportionately on this area, its inclusion on the Ten-T Core Network would result in further Irish projects being eligible to apply for.

“Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding, thereby contributing to the balanced development of our regions, including the cities of, Cork, Limerick and Galway and also the North-West of the country in response to the impact of Brexit.

“Based on the above, Ireland believes that there is a need to amend the TEN- T Regulation and requests that the European Commission considers the existing requirements for the Ten-T Core Network with a view to including the Atlantic seaboard region of Ireland on the Ten-T Core Network.

“I am aware that the European Commission will consult with Member States in order to carry out a review ofthe implementation of the core network.

"I welcome the fact that you are bringing that review forward, in advance of the stated deadline of 31 December 2023, particularly in the context of Brexit and the UK's impending departure from the ED.

“I assure you that my department will be fully engaged in this review process, particularly once the targeted consultation with Member States commences in the coming months, where we will elaborate further on the issues raised above as well as highlighting other key priorities and possible amendments to the TEN-T guidelines that would be necessary in light of relevant developments since 2013."

Members of Mayo County Council have been briefed on the situation.