Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
114. 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 PEACE+ programme in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42067/21]
View answerThe new PEACE PLUS Programme 2021-2027, which will build upon previous PEACE and INTERREG Programmes, will provide opportunities under the EU policy objective of “a more connected Europe”, contributing to the cross-border economic and territorial development of the region. In this regard, there has been significant bilateral engagement between my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, in consultation with the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform, to examine potential sustainable transport projects that fit the PEACE PLUS criteria.
Once funding arrangements are finalised, the draft PEACE PLUS co-operation programme will be brought to Government and to the Northern Ireland Executive for consideration and approval, before submission to the European Commission for its consideration. It is anticipated that the first funding awards under PEACE PLUS will be made during 2022.
The INTERREG VA Programme, a predecessor of the PeacePlus Programme, is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The eligible area for funding includes Northern Ireland, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth, and Western Scotland.
Match-funding is provided by both the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland to the SEUPB for three Transport-related projects under the INTERREG VA Programme. Up to 95% of Department funding is reimbursed from EU Commission via SEUPB.
The three projects funded are:
- The North West Multi-Modal Mobility Hub in Derry - This project was awarded approximately €23.5 million to develop a cross-border multi-modal hub which facilitates a shift to public transport by providing modern, integrated services such as park and ride, public cycle schemes and car share. Works were completed at the Hub in 2020 and it is fully operational;
- Development of a cross-border Greenway and cycle network - work is ongoing on the construction of the three Greenways under this project, namely:
- The Carlingford Lough Greenway, awarded almost €3.5m for the creation of over 10km of cross-border Greenway linking Newry to Carlingford;
- The North West Greenway Network, awarded €14.8m for the creation of 46.5km of cross-border Greenway; and
- The Ulster Canal Greenway which was awarded just under €5m for the creation of 22km of Greenway between Monaghan and Armagh;
- The FASTER EV Charger Project – officially launched on 9th September 2021, this project will see the installation of over 70 electric vehicle chargers in the Irish border counties, in Northern Ireland and in Western Scotland. This project has been awarded €6.4m.
