Ireland’s use of EU structural funds to transform the Border regions has been praised by a leading European Commission official.
European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said Ireland represented one of “the best examples” of how structural funds could make a real difference.
Addressing the annual conference of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) in Dundalk today, Mr Hahn said: “Regional investments have not only contributed to the Irish development but they have also helped Ireland to create cross-border links with its neighbours and to tackle common problems”.
It was the first time in 20 years that the AEBR held its annual conference in Ireland. In those 20 years, the east Border region around Dundalk and Newry has received significant EU funding, mainly through the InterReg and PEACE programmes.
Following the conference, the commissioner visited the Dundalk Institute of Technology and the Boyne Bridge, both recipients of substantial EU funds, before travelling to Dublin for meetings with Department of Finance officials, Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey, and Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche.
Mr Hahn comments come as debate on the future of EU funding ramps up with the Commission due to set out its plans for the next round of funding which is due to commence in 2013.
For the period 2007-2013, the EU allocated a budget of €348 billion to its regional policy, comprising €278 billion for the Structural Funds and €70 billion for the Cohesion Fund.
The total represented some 35 per cent of the Union’s overall budget and is the second largest budget item.
Up to the end of 2008, the Republic has received some €17 billion in Structural & Cohesion Funds from the EU since it joined in 1973.