Intergovernmental cooperation across the Irish Sea space

A new report, informed by a policy and literature review, examines the opportunities and barriers to greater intergovernmental cooperation across the Irish Sea.

The Developing Irish Sea Cooperation (DISC) report identifies areas where closer collaboration could deliver shared benefits and makes recommendations to support future intergovernmental and territorial cooperation.

Undertaken by the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation and the University of Strathclyde’s European Policies Research Centre, the Northern Ireland Executive Office has published both the Policy and Literature Review and the Summary Report.

The DISC project has been supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, said: “The research undertaken by the Centre and the European Policies Research Centre examined the current context and opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation across the Irish Sea.

“The resulting reports highlight that, given the barriers and opportunities, territorial cooperation will not just ‘happen’ automatically.

“It needs a push, encouraging a mindset shift that views cooperation not as ‘dead’ cost but as investment bringing returns.

“With this in mind, the Summary Report sets out eight recommendations to encourage and support territorial cooperation around the Irish Sea space.”

The Summary Report is available online here and the policy and literature review is here.