Co-operation in EU funding boosts economic performance

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, MLA today highlighted the importance of regional and cross-border co-operation for making best use of EU funding.

Ms Ritchie was speaking at the AGM of the East Border Region grouping of local authorities at Newcastle, Co. Down, where she welcomed the new funding available through the INTERREG IVA programme:

“Practical cross border cooperation under INTERREG has been going on for more than 20 years. However, now there is a new impetus for the 2007-13 period, with new opportunities for central and local government to work together to improve economic performance.

“The funding for 2007-13 has an increased budget of €256million, 40% more than before. The inclusion of Scotland in the new programme gives us the opportunity to build upon the strong cultural, social and economic links that exist between Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

“Northern Ireland cannot expect to develop on its own, in isolation. We need to cooperate with and learn from experience throughout these islands and from our partners in Europe.”

The Minister praised the work of the East Border Region, which brings together local authorities from Northern Ireland and the Republic.

She aded: “The East Border Region has delivered its part of the current INTERREG programme to a high standard and showed itself to be an asset for future programme delivery.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland INTERREG IVA Programme is funded under the cross border strand of the EU’s Cooperation (“INTERREG IV”) Objective.
2. East Border Region comprises the following local authorities: Ards, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down, Newry, Louth, Monaghan and Meath.
3. For further information, please contact Philip Maguire, Principal Information Officer DSD on 028 9082 9490 mobile 07788 108657. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.