EU Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Questions (280)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

280. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way the European Regional Development Fund is operated; the number of companies here that have availed of direct aid to investment in companies in the last five years; the percentage of funding that can be availed of over and above any State funding particularly in the area of manufacturers developing or making more environmentally friendly products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9894/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Projects co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund are funded in the first instance by a public grant from a Public Beneficiary Body. The Exchequer may subsequently recoup an element of this public grant from the European Commission, subject to EU eligibility criteria. ERDF funding is not a direct aid to investment, however, nor does it supplement State funding. Full details of Ireland’s Structural Funds programme may be found at eustructuralfunds.gov.ie.

For the 2007-2013 ERDF funding period companies developing or manufacturing more environmentally friendly product may be assisted by the appropriate Public Bodies, i.e. County Enterprise Boards and Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland.