Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
113. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding for transport projects that has been bid for and or awarded under the European Regional Development Fund in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42066/21]
View answerIn 2020 and to date in 2021, my Department has not been awarded funding under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) but is currently actively pursuing ERDF funding opportunities under this programme.
The European Regional Development Fund aims to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between its regions. In 2021-2027 it will enable investments in a smarter, greener, more connected and more social Europe that is closer to its citizens.
Overall responsibility for the European Regional Development Fund falls to the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform whereby Ireland will receive €351 million for the 2021-2027 programming period.
The ERDF planning process involves the three Regional Assemblies. In December 2020 the Regional Assemblies oversaw the production of a paper setting out high level priorities for the 2021-2027 ERDF Operational Programmes. These priorities have emerged from the Regional strategies (RSES), the Needs Analysis in relation to ERDF and the public consultation.
Three main Themes or priorities were identified:
- Smart cities, smart regions: ERDF should support innovation, digitisation, economic transformation and small and medium-sized businesses in keeping with smart specialisation strategies to support sustainable economic development and offer the population places where they can live and work.
- Low-carbon and climate resilience: ERDF should help Ireland and its regions fight against climate change and protect the environment, which will in turn improve the overall quality of life.
- Urban dimension: ERDF should support the development of Irish towns and cities through an integrated approach combining the three following dimensions: green, smart and people-focused.
Based on the three thematic areas identified the three Regional Assemblies are currently in the process of extensive engagement with government departments, including my Department, to develop proposals for the ERDF Operational Programme.
