Debate contribution: EU Office in Belfast

Debate contribution by Mr Pádraig Delargy on 12 January 2026.

MLA

Mr Pádraig Delargy

Party at the time

Sinn Féin

Date

12 January 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

EU Office in Belfast

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5312055

Read the official Assembly record

Text

No, thank you. Fortunately, we have two Sinn Féin MEPs, who continue to stand up for the people of the North in Europe. Fast-forward 10 years, and the necessary steps have been put in place to mitigate the worst excesses of Brexit. The Windsor framework is now an established part of our economic and trading landscape. Nowhere else in these islands or in Europe has the dual market access that exists in the North. That is not a theoretical advantage; it is a practical advantage that many businesses already make use of. The best way of monitoring the benefits is by looking at the growth in all-Ireland trade and trade with other countries in Europe. Recent InterTradeIreland statistics show that trade has risen from €2·8 billion and €1·9 billion respectively in 2015 to €10·6 billion and €9 billion respectively in 2024. If we are serious about economic growth, we need to be pragmatic, put our ideological blinkers to one side and recognise that all-Ireland trade and dual market access drive markets forward, increase our economy and create a uniquely advantageous position for the people of the North. We can already see, through the work of Invest NI, strong and growing trading relationships with the European Union. Local companies export advanced manufacturing goods, agri-food products, life sciences, software and digital services to EU markets. EU firms continue to invest here, attracted by our skilled workforce, strong research base and established supply chains. Those relationships demonstrate trust and potential, and they can and should be deepened. In October 2024, an article published in the 'The European' stated:

"Over 60% of new investors have reinvested, which demonstrates the benefits of doing business here. Multinational companies, including Terex, Citi, Baker McKenzie ... Deloitte, FinTrU, Seagate"

and others have found the North

"to be so beneficial that they’ve repeatedly reinvested and strengthened their presence ... This unique market access makes it easy for companies to ship to these two major markets, all while enjoying seamless trade processes."

An EU office in Belfast would act as a single accessible point of engagement, offering guidance, clarity and direct support. It would complement the work already being done through Invest NI and other agencies. Together, they could form a strong hub that supports local businesses looking outwards to Europe while supporting international firms that are looking inwards to the North. That also speaks to our international reputation, because the North of Ireland has a compelling story to tell: unique dual market access to the British and EU markets, a proven export base, world-class universities and a growing, innovative economy. Having an EU office here would reinforce and augment that sales pitch internationally. It would send a clear signal that the region is connected, credible and open for business. For international investors, particularly those seeking a foothold in both markets, that clarity matters. For local firms, especially those in border regions and the north-west, having direct access to EU expertise locally would be transformative. It would help firms to scale up, diversify their exports and build resilience in the face of wider economic uncertainty. The proposal is about partnership. Having an EU office here would ensure that the lived economic realities of businesses and workers were better understood within EU institutions, and it would strengthen North/South cooperation and support the continued development of the all-Ireland economy, which benefits communities across the island. At a time when our economy needs certainty, confidence and growth, it is a sensible, constructive and forward-looking proposal. Sinn Féin therefore calls on Westminster and the European Union to engage positively with the proposal, work with the Executive and Invest NI and explore how an EU office in the North could —

— benefit all of our citizens.

622 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 14:17 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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