Written Answers. - EU Funding.
Brendan Smith
Question:
62
Mr. B. Smith
asked the
Minister for Finance
if he will give details of the proposed INTERREG III programme; the funding which will be provided in respect of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5230/00]
The Commission of the European Union issued the latest draft notice to member states on 25 January 2000 laying down the guidelines for INTERREG programmes for the period 2000-06 under three strands as follows:
Strand A – cross-Border co-operation, focusing on regional development.
The main priorities listed for Strand A are:
–promoting urban rural and coastal development;
–entrepreneurship, small firms, including tourism, and local employment;
–integration of the labour market and social inclusion;
–sharing human resources for research, technology development, education, culture and communications;
–protection of the environment and energy efficiency;
–improving transport, information, communications, water and energy systems;
–co-operation in legal and administrative spheres to promote development;
–increasing potential for cross-Border co-operation.
Strand B – Transnational co-operation, focusing on spatial planning.
The priorities for Strand B may be summarised as follows:
–spatial development strategies on a transnational scale and co-operation in promoting sustainable development;
–efficient and sustainable transport systems and access to information society;
–promotion of the environment and good management of cultural heritage and natural resources, in particular water resources;
–to promote the integrated co-operation of the "outermost" regions of the EU.
Strand C – Interregional co-operation to exchange experience through out the EU on themes covered by strands A and B.
The priority topics for strand C are:
–co-operative actions related to specific topics to be defined by the Commission, after consulting with member state committees in the area of research, technological development and SMEs;
–the information society;
–tourism, culture and employment;
–entrepreneurship and the environment.
The final guidelines for the INTERREG III programmes for 2000-06 are expected to be published by the Commission in March of this year. Member states will have six months to submit new programmes once the guidelines are published. It is our intention to submit Ireland's programme before this deadline.
Funding for INTERREG III
Ireland's total allocation for INTERREG III is 84 million. A minimum of 14% of the national allocation must be allocated to strand B and 6% is reserved for strand C. Final provisions for each strand will be decided in the context of the finalisation of the programmes later this year.
