I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 to 107, inclusive, together.
The Ireland Wales Co-Operation Programme has a total value of approximately €100 million over the period 2014-2020. It will support projects with partners in both Ireland and Wales focussing on activities across three priority areas: cross-border innovation; adaptation of the Irish Sea and coastal communities to climate change; and cultural and natural resources and heritage.
The Programme was prepared in line with the reformed Cohesion Policy for 2014-20, which has a new focus on thematic concentration, performance, and results. The final Programme was the result of a detailed process of programme planning in line with EU regulations, and included public consultation and negotiations with the Commission.
Given that the Ireland Wales border is a maritime border, the Programme must have a maritime focus. Nevertheless, the eligible area in Ireland includes inland counties (Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Tipperary) as well as coastal counties (Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Kerry).
Project partners in any of the counties in the eligible area may put forward project proposals for any of the priorities. As a cross-border Programme, projects must have partners in both Ireland and Wales and they must have a cross-border added-value element. In the case of one of the three priorities (cultural and natural resources and heritage) the project benefits must accrue to coastal communities. This was a requirement of the European Commission and applies equally to Ireland and Wales. Inland counties are not precluded from taking part in this priority, but the benefits must accrue to the coastal community as well as to the non-coastal community.
