14 March 2007
Jersey has been invited to have its own direct representation on the independent regulatory body of the Flamanville nuclear power plant following successful talks at the weekend between Jersey and Norman politicians.
At the meeting in Normandy on Friday, the President of the Conseil Général of La Manche Jean-François Le Grand, the equivalent of Jersey’s Chief Minister, agreed to visit the Island and answer questions about the power plant at a public meeting in Jersey in April.
Representatives from Jersey led by the Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker, Minister for Transport and Technical Services Deputy Guy de Faye and Assistant Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Deputy Ben Fox, attended a series of meetings on the Island of Tatihou. The discussions are part of a continuing project, started last September, to strengthen links between Jersey and Normandy by creating working groups to share good ideas and practice on topics of common interest.
Other initiatives that emerged from the talks include a commitment to help foster student language skills through exchange programmes. Jersey students will be offered the opportunity to do secondments in France, and vice versa.
Normandy education representatives will be tapping into Jersey’s expertise and success in rolling out the teaching of critical skills throughout Island schools.
Other issues discussed included the planned strengthening of transport links between Jersey and Normandy through the development of the Manche-Iles Express sea route. The carriers have commissioned a third boat on the route which will provide more flexibility.
Delegates also viewed plans for a new 1000 berth marina in Granville. This and the plans for the development of the marina at Portbail are key components of the region’s latest tourism strategy. Delegates heard that there could be knock-on advantages for Jersey through the increase in yachting tourism in the area.
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Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact
Senator Frank Walker, Chief Minister tel no 440435
David Greenwood, Assistant Director of Education, Sport and Culture tel no 449350
Kevin Lemasney, Strategy Development Manager tel no 448861
gov.je