Murphy raises key economic issues for the north with British Government

Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy

The discussions included concerns on the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme, support for renewable energy developments, and the previously paused Enhanced Investment Zone for the north of Ireland.

Speaking afterwards Minister Murphy said his engagements with the Ministers had been positive. He said:

“I was keen to meet with the Ministers whose brief has a direct impact on my role of growing our economy.  I wanted to reflect some of the immediate challenges we face and to ask for a constructive partnership approach to overcome these.”

The Minister met with Seema Malhotra MP, Home Office Minister for Migration and Citizenship, regarding the ETA Scheme and to press for solutions to protect the north’s tourism industry. Commenting on the discussion, he said:

“The introduction and planned rollout of the ETA Scheme is consistently raised with me. Our all-island economy is vital, and seamless all-island travel is key to building on the growth we have seen in our tourism sector. The strong concerns expressed by the tourism and travel industry in the north and its potential impact on our tourism product and our wider economy, are concerns that I share. 

“I reiterated these concerns to Minister Malhotra and outlined that this is an issue where I believe solutions are needed to protect our tourism, travel and hospitality sector in the north, especially as these businesses are facing a range of challenges such as rising energy and staff costs including additional impacts from the British Government’s recent Budget.”

Minister Murphy also met with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Minister of State, Lord Phillip Hunt, to discuss his support for offshore wind projects across the north. He said:

“Offshore development will play a key role in delivering on net zero targets. It also offers huge economic opportunities for our region. 

“I sought assurances from Minister Hunt that he will support us in gaining final agreement on the locations to allow us to develop offshore renewable energy projects as a matter of urgency.  Failure to deliver offshore investment would be very damaging to the economy in the north and in the delivery of the region’s net zero legislative commitments.”

After a meeting on Investment Zones with Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Democracy and Local Growth Alex Norris MP, the Minister said:

“I welcome confirmation of Enhanced Investment Zone £150million funding. This will provide increased opportunities for the north to invest in new technologies that will enhance its cost competitiveness and first-class reputation for innovation.”

He also raised with Minister Norris the importance of ensuring that the Shared Prosperity Funding (SPF) that goes towards the Go Succeed service is maintained. He added: 

“Following the budget statement, the immediate reduced level of SPF funding is a concern for a range of sectors in the North. Go Succeed is an integral element of SPF,  it relies on this fund for the effective delivery of this essential service which supports start-ups and small businesses that want grow. I stressed to Minister Norris the importance of ensuring that the level of funding is confirmed as a matter of urgency, that funding levels are at least maintained and that there is long-term certainty.” 

Minister Murphy also met with the Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson MP; and with Minister of State for Science, Patrick Vallance MP.

Notes to editors: 

1. In 2023, the previous UK Government introduced a new permission to travel scheme – the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. It is a requirement (at a cost of £10 per person) for all non-visa national visitors to the UK.  For visitors coming here, the requirement to obtain and hold an ETA will apply whether they arrive direct at a UK port of entry (Airport/Ferry Terminal) or via the land border with the South.

2. The ETA scheme has already been piloted for some Gulf States. On 10 September 2024, the UKG announced further rollout dates for the ETA scheme:

·   Visitors from the Rest of the World (except Europe) will be able to apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. This will impact particularly on our US and Canada markets.

·   Visitors from Europe can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.  

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