Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has visited Enniskillen today for a number of engagements.
During his trip he met with representatives from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and visited the South West College and Waterways Ireland Headquarters.
The Minister said: “I was delighted to be able to meet a range of groups and individuals in County Fermanagh today to listen to their views at a time when the EU referendum vote continues to cause uncertainty and concern to the local community. With my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Pascal Donohue TD, I have already written to the European Commission to express the concerns of both governments in relation to the threat to European funding. We have also asked for a meeting in regard to protecting the £500million in Peace and INTERREG funds due between now and 2021 and which are of particular benefit to the border region.
“I have also taken steps to shorten the timescale for European funding applications in line with my belief that we should endeavour to maximise European funding in the time ahead.”
Malachy McAleer, Director South West College, said;
“South West College is appreciative of the effort made by the Minister of Finance, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, to visit the CREST Centre in Enniskillen and acquaint himself with both the successes and challenges of the College. The College has plans to make a major contribution to the delivery of the Programme for Government and, to do this, must work closely with central and local government, with the Department of Finance being a key driver. In these circumstances, an early meeting to develop mutual understandings is very valuable. The College Management Team wishes the Minister every success in his new role.”