Interreg IVA Programme latest

The INTERREG IVA Programme is the Cross-Border Territorial Cooperation Programme for Northern Ireland, the Border Region and Western Scotland. The overall aim of the INTERREG IVA Programme is to: ‘Support strategic cross-border co-operation for a more prosperous and sustainable region.’

The Programme has a budget of €256 million. It is split into 2 priorities which have 2 themes in each:

Priority 1: Co-operation for a more prosperous cross-border region

• Theme 1 - Enterprise
  This theme involves business support, investment in business infrastructure and networking opportunities.
• Theme 2 - Tourism
  Areas of support include sustainable exploitation of natural resources, the support of culture and heritage and marine and water based tourism.

Priority 2:Co-operation for a sustainable cross-border region

• Theme 1 - Collaboration
  This involves strategic collaborative approaches to innovative ways of addressing cross border problems and delivering public services in border areas. It also involves the exchange of information expertise and best practice in cross border co-operation - Rural Development and Social Care
• Theme 2 - Infrastructure
  Areas of support include ICT, Roads and Transport, Energy and environmental protection and management.

Here is a summary of the latest progress on these priorities and themes:

Priority 1 Theme 1 – Enterprise (€70M)

At a meeting of the Priority 1 Steering Committee on 14 February, 5 applications were considered. Two applications were approved, one deferred and another two rejected. The total funding approved subject to Accountable Department and Member State approval was €5.4 million for the two projects.

Priority 1 Theme 2 - Tourism (€30M)

The call for applications for Strategic Tourism projects opened on 27 February 2008 on a rolling basis with four applications submitted to date.

Priority 2 Theme 1 - Collaboration (€65M)

• Sub Theme – Health and Social Care (€30M)
  The Departments of Health in Ireland and N. Ireland have developed a cross border health and social care strategy for submission to the Programme. The application is for circa €30 million. The Priority 2 Steering Committee have agreed to progress the application to economic appraisal. A final decision is expected in May/June.
• Sub Theme – Collaboration between Public Sector Bodies (€25M)
  A focused call for applications under this element of Priority 2 opened on 4 April 2008.
• Sub Theme – Rural Development (€10M)
  It is proposed to issue a focused call for applications under this element of Priority 2 in June 2008.

Priority 2 Theme 2 – Infrastructure (€75M)

• Sub Theme – Telecommunications (€35M)
  The Priority 2 Steering Committee met on 25 January 2008 to discuss the international connectivity proposal known as Project Kelvin. This project was approved for funding of €30 million. The project is currently undergoing an independent review before seeking approval from the Accountable Departments and Member States.
• Sub Theme – Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency (€10M)
  The call for strategic renewable energy/energy efficiency projects was opened on 27 February 2008 on a rolling basis with no formal applications submitted to date.
• Sub Theme – Environmental Management (€20M)
  It is proposed to issue a focused call for applications under this element of Priority 2 in May 2008.
• Sub Theme – Roads and Transport (€10M)
  The Departments responsible for this element of Priority 2 are currently developing proposals to fit this theme.

Cross-Border Groups
All 5 cross-border multi-annual plans have been received in relation to the Enterprise, Tourism and Collaboration themes between local authorities. The Priority 1 Steering Committee will consider these plans on 24 April 2008.

For more information on the Peace III and Interreg IVA programmes contact NICVA on 028 9087 7777 or the Special EU Programmes Body on 028 9026 6660 or visit: www.seupb.eu