Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 2

Written Answers. - Border Region Funding.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

27 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications received for peace initiative funding for the Border region; the way in which it is intended to manage the fund and process the applications; when the moneys will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2459/96]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

Under the Peace Programme a total of 300 MECU (approximately £240 million) of EU funds is being provided over the period 1995-97. At least 20 per cent of these funds (amounting to approximately £48 million) is being made available for the six Border counties. Matching funding will come from central Government, local authorities, the private sector and community groups depending on the nature of the project being funded.

To date, more than 1,500 copies of the Peace Programme information pack have been issued to inquirers and a total of 76 applications have been received in respect of the Border counties. My Department has responsibility for the overall co-ordination of the programme and has established a computer database to log and track each application. The applications are then passed on to the relevant implementing body.

Most of the measures are being managed by Intermediary Funding Bodies who are independent of Government departments and funded by means of global grants. In addition, sub-programme 2 — urban and rural regeneration — involves the participation of county council-led task forces across a wide range of actions. Where measures do not involve intermediary funding bodies or the local authority task force applicants are advised to apply to the relevant Government department directly. Full information in relation to the implementing bodies are issued to applicants and I have arranged to have a copy of the relevant leaflet circulated given to the Deputy.

The innovative implementing mechanisms adopted for the Peace Programme were required by the European Commission to ensure the greatest possible participation and involvement of the local communities. It has been the case that the intermediary bodies, drawn from the community and voluntary sector, took somewhat longer to get organised to carry out the functions required for them than would have been the case if the central departments had been directly involved. However, they are now in place and are in the process of assessing the first batch of applications under the programme. Decisions are expected shortly.

An important feature of the programme is the assistance available at local level through the intermediaries to assist intending applicants, particularly those who, for example through reasons of social exclusion have a reduced capacity to avail of the opportunities available.