Ford welcomes planned 800 million pound boost from Irish Government

12.01.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Jan 2007

Alliance Leader David Ford has welcomed the prospect of funding for Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland's National Development Plan. The Irish government is expected to announce tomorrow that it will pledge 800 million pounds worth of funding for North-South co-operation.

David Ford said: "I welcome the willingness of Irish Government to invest in cross-border initiatives which provide a real benefit for Northern Ireland.

"There are a number of key areas which require funding in the West, for example, health and public transport infrastructure.

"The Secretary of State must now use his influence on the Treasury to seek additional matching funding.

"I also welcome the assurances from the Irish Government that they want to work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Assembly on these funding projects."