€79 million EU Investment for Ireland and Wales cooperation projects
€79 million EU Investment for Ireland and Wales cooperation projects
€79 million for cooperation between Ireland and Wales has been approved by the European Commission. National contributions to the fund bring the total to nearly €100 million.
- €31.7 million EU funding will support 1.200 enterprises, leading to the creation of 35 new jobs
- €27.7 million EU funding will assist coastal communities on the Irish Sea adapt to climate change. 24 private, public and non-profit organisations and 10 research institutions to collaborate and exchange knowledge for better response/adaptation.
- €15 million EU funding will contribute to promoting Cultural and Natural Resources and Heritage. As a result, the number of overseas visitors to the coastal communities of the Programme area should be increased by 2%
Commenting on the adoption, European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu, said: “This programme should have real benefits for Irish and Welsh people, particularly those living in coastal communities. Our cross border, interregional programmes are one of the most tangible ways the EU is working to help people address common challenges and tap into shared potential – together. In focusing on linking SME’s and research organisations, tackling climate change and helping local tourism, we are addressing both the strengths and the challenges of these regions head on. We expect nearly 4 million people in these regions to benefit from the projects springing from today’s decision.”
A key focus of the programme will be to create jobs by better linking Irish and Welsh research organisations and business. Coastal communities will also benefit from measures to combat climate change and to bring more visitors to Irish and Welsh regions by enhancing and promoting their shared natural and cultural heritage.
Voluntary and Community Organisations, Colleges of Further Education and Institutes of Technology, as well as other bodies, are welcome to apply for funding. Applications must contribute to cross-border sustainable development and equality. Applicants must provide at least 15% of the project budget, either through their own or national resources.
Background
The programme Interreg V-A Ireland-United Kingdom (Ireland Wales) covers the regions of Dublin, Mid-East, Mid-West (North Tipperary only), South East and South West in Ireland and the Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy & Denbighshire and South West Wales, Swansea and Flintshire & Wrexham in Wales.
Interreg V-A is the fourth in a consecutive series of Cross-border Cooperation Programmes between Ireland and Wales. The programme is managed by Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO).
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