A
study by Professor Derek Birrell and Ms Amanda Hayes of
the University of Ulster of the different kinds of cross-border
links between local authorities, including one-to-one linkages,
local government cross-border networks, and cross-border
partnerships involving other agencies. It also analyses
the project management methods used, the views of the councillors
involved and the involvement of the European Union. Among
the study's findings are:
- The
most advanced model of cross-border co-operation between
local authorities is the Border Corridor Groups network
- Given
the mismatch in functions between local authorities,
North and South, the partnership model (which includes
community groups, business groups, trade unions and statutory
agencies) is particularly useful.
- Facilitating
bodies like Co-operation Ireland, Area Development Management
and the Combat Poverty Agency play a key role.
- Cross-border
co-operation should be made a specific function
of local government.
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