David Stanton
Ceist:454 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the Ireland-Wales INTERREG 3 programme, 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2874/02]
Written Answers. - Inter-Regional Programmes.
I am glad to say that the Ireland-Wales INTERREG 3 programme, 2000-2006, was formally approval by the European Commission on 23 November 2001. Given the historical links between Ireland and Wales, this programme will further strengthen the relationship between the two territories and will build on the achievements of the Ireland-Wales INTERREG 2 programme, 1994-1999.
The aim of the programme is to provide for the sustainable development of the territories through an integrated approach to economic, social and environmental development. The programme will provide further opportunities to encourage innovative joint projects between Irish and Welsh businesses and groups and for the transfer of best practice in various fields. It will cover joint co-operation in business and enterprise development, human resources, rural development, communications in technology and transport, marine and coastal development, heritage, tourism and culture.
The programme covers the counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford. Wexford and south Tipperary in Ireland, and Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire and Anglesey in Wales. Preparations are being made for the launch of the programme at a ceremony in Dublin Castle involving the Taoiseach and the Welsh First Minister on 11 February. The first monitoring committee meeting of the programme is due to be held in Wales on 11 March 2002.
The programme has a total budget of 65.5 million, with the European Union contributing 47.6 million through the European Regional Development Fund. It will be administered by a joint technical secretariat, based in the Welsh European funding office in Wales, and an Irish liaison office based in the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly in Waterford.