They spent two day with chief executive Anne Donaghy, mayor Maureen Morrow and members of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
The two councils already have a shared history with the North Channel Partnership Group, which was set up in 1999, and both are keen to re-establish and build on this. Going forward, they plan to discuss opportunities for greater joined up working on a number of key issues, including improved infrastructure and connectivity, including roads and broadband; Brexit; ports and town centre regeneration; and tourism.
Cllr Rob Davidson, depute leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “We face many similar challenges in terms of economic regeneration, demographics, and transport infrastructure. Both our regions are now part of significant growth deals and the time has never better for us to reinvigorate the North Channel Partnership and examine how we can work together to attract future investment. I’d like to thank my colleagues in Mid and East Antrim for arranging a full programme which will really focus on areas of shared interest and potential joint projects. I hope that it will be the start of a fruitful relationship between our councils and one which will deliver economic benefits for both our regions.”
Meanwhile, Maureen Morrow, mayor of Mid and East Antrim, said: “We have strong ties to Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway, and I am delighted to welcome our visitors to Mid and East Antrim – an area with such a rich and proud Ulster-Scots heritage. This visit is all about building on our close relationship and exploring what we can do together to grow our respective economies for the benefit of all our citizens.
“We will also be exchanging ideas and shared learning, and showcasing just some of Mid and East Antrim’s many tourism gems. We will be discussing our plans for significant investment locally through Belfast Region City Deal, as well as other ambitious development opportunities we are currently working on.”
