Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 5

Written Answers. - Border Region Funding.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

151 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will initiate special investment measures to tackle the infrastructual needs of the Border region in view of the agreement achieved at the multi-party talks; if his attention has been drawn to the need to regenerate the economy of that region which has suffered immense damage since 1969; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16818/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The Government has consistently supported all initiatives aimed at promoting economic regeneration in the Border region.

The Deputy will be aware that the Border region is already receiving special financial assistance under various programmes related to its special situation. These programmes include the International Fund for Ireland, the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the INTERREG programme.

The International Fund for Ireland was established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986 with the aim of promoting economic and social progress in Northern Ireland and the Border counties. The fund has received contributions from the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The fund has already provided a total of £350 million in funding for a large number of projects.

The Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, established by the European Union in 1995, is aimed at Northern Ireland and the Border counties. It involves total EU expenditure of approximately £320 million over four years. At least 20 per cent of this funding is available for the six Border counties.

The Joint Ireland/Northern Ireland INTERREG Programme, established under the Structural Funds, has approved EU funding for the Border counties over the six years 1994/99 of approximately IR£73 million. The allocation to Northern Ireland was STG£53 million.

The EU Community Support Framework for Ireland, 1994-99 includes a commitment on the part of the Irish and the UK Governments to maximise co-operation on Northern Ireland. Doubtless, this commitment to co-operation will continue during the next round of funding. With regard to the planning process for the post-1999 Structural Funds, I have written to all regional authorities seeking their proposals for investment in their regions, including their proposals for cross-Border co-operation.

It is too early to say precisely what additional measures may result from the recent agreement. The Deputy can be assured, however, that the Government will be making all reasonable efforts to ensure that the Border region benefits from the additional supports that should now become available on foot of the agreement.