A Donegal-based government minister is urging more links between the North West of Ireland and parts of the North West of England when it comes to developing industry and business.
Minister for the Diaspora Joe McHugh says we need to start looking outside the usual big cities such as Dublin and London and instead look at places like Manchester and Liverpool.
Minister McHugh was speaking to Ocean FM News after returning from a trip to the two English cities where he met political, civic, education, community and business leaders.
He also met members of the Irish community in both cities.
He says a regional approach to promoting business between the two countries should be pursued and he pointed out the strong links that have long existed between the north west and places such as Manchester and Liverpool.
Minister McHugh says he now hopes a trade mission to England can be organised to represent the entire North West of Ireland, from Donegal, southward to Sligo and Leitrim.
He told Ocean FM how he discussed these ideas with the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham.
Minister McHugh says a trade mission would be an opportunity to showcase the North West of Ireland as an ideal location for incoming business.
