A Limerick consultancy firm was paid €24,000 by Donegal County Council to compile a 46-page Brexit report.
Grant Thornton’s ‘Responding to Brexit’ document was presented to elected members at their latest March meeting of full council.
It received a mixed reaction from councillors with Inishowen’s Nicholas Crossan describing it as “disappointing”. South Donegal independent councillor Niamh Kennedy said however she found it to be “inspirational and aspirational”.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Donegal News asked the local authority how much Grant Thornton was paid for its work.
Donegal County Council said the Responding to Brexit document cost €24,000 excluding VAT.
In compiling its findings Grant Thornton said it engaged with 30 agencies and individuals including Derry City and Strabane District Council, Údáras na Gaeltachta, Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and the HSE.
The report examines what risk Brexit poses to the border region and how the various sectors here can benefit from the opportunities created by Britain’s departure from the European Union.
Among the recommendations made is the need for a study to examine the return of rail travel to Donegal. Also touched upon are issues such as the TEN-T road project, air connectivity, the National Broadband Plan and the Letterkenny 2040 regeneration blueprint.
The report concludes, “With necessary Government support Donegal and the wider North West City region can develop to its full potential, offering an optimistic future and greater economic opportunity to its people.”
Councillor Nicholas Crossan (Second from left in mayoral chain) said he found the report “disappointing”.
Asked if it felt the dossier was worth the €24,000 Grant Thornton was paid, a Donegal County Council spokesperson said, “Donegal County Council commissioned Grant Thornton Consulting Limited to undertake an assessment of the risks presenting for Donegal in the context of Brexit and to identify essential investment proposals that will strengthen Donegal’s economic resilience and economic potential in the face of Brexit.
“This final report was considered in detail by Donegal County Council’s Brexit Committee and was adopted unanimously by Donegal County Council at their recent March meeting.”
They added, “The Responding to Brexit report does not purport to be an economic development plan for Donegal but instead identifies a number of key focused strategic interventions which if implemented has the potential to enable Donegal and the North West City Region to mitigate the risks identified by Brexit as well as build on the opportunities presenting.
“The report presents a strong case for investment in key enabling interventions which if supported by the Government has the potential to enable Donegal and the North West City Region to develop to its full potential offering an optimistic future and greater economic opportunity.”
Councillor Albert Doherty said the report’s value will be in the outcomes it ultimately delivers.
Speaking at the meeting when the report was presented to elected members, Councillor Albert Doherty said he had a “few reservations” about it. He did add however that ultimately he felt the document was “very good and very positive”.
Councillor Doherty said he welcomed “all consultation and assessment studies of the risks presenting to Donegal and in particular to the North West City Region in the context of Brexit”.
In terms of the cost of the Grant Thornton report he said it will be gauged on “positive outcomes delivered”.
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