​The European Committee of the Regions met the Irish Minister for European Affairs Helen McEntee, TD as well as the Oireachtas (Parliament) committee on European Affairs in Dublin on the 22nd May.  The meeting led to a detailed discussion on the impact of the UK withdrawal from the European Union for Ireland but also in particular for the border region with Northern Ireland. Mr Stanislaw Szwabski represented the European Alliance at this meeting and he reinforced the point on ensuring no 'hard' border.  Mr Szwabski also highlighted the need for connectivity and in particular for ports and airports giving the example of Dublin / Zeebrugge and Gdynia.

On the 23rd May the Conference of Presidents delegation met with the Northern Ireland Local Government association and representatives of business as well as community groups in Newry.  At this meeting the hard hitting facts of border business transactions but more so the risk of dividing communities was to the fore.  Karl Vanlouwe mentioned the need to ensure the continued funding for the excellent work of the PEACE and Interreg programme.

The delegation also visited Warrepoint port and the border between Ireland / Northern Ireland.