A lack of training and educational qualifications in border areas is hindering economic growth in the region, according to researchers a the University of Ulster.
The cross-border study found that even in counties with an apparently healthy employment situation there are pockets of social disadvantage where marginalised groups have been left behind.
The Travelling community appeared to be particularly disadvantaged in this respect, according to Dr Emily Boyle from the university's faculty of business and management which conducted the project.
To research group also identified the complexity of accessing information about training as a major stumbling block and to this end the UU team has developed an online database of training courses.
The website www.bordertraining.com will go live in early December.
