From Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
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The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD have today officially launched a public consultation to inform the selection of priorities for the use of European cohesion funding for 2021-2027.
The consultation process, which is being held with the three Regional Assemblies, will specifically seek views to inform the development of programmes for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Pus (ESF+).
An online stakeholder event will take place on Tuesday 28 July 2020. The purpose of the event is to inform people of the EU proposals for 2021- 2027 and the preparation process in Ireland so far. The event will also seek views on how needs at a national and regional level can be best addressed by the funds and aim to identify the priorities for investment and highlight potential projects/activities.
Speaking about the consultation, Minister McGrath said:
“European Cohesion Policy has historically played an important role in Ireland’s economic development. The Funds for 2021-27 can empower Ireland to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to hear your views as to how Cohesion Funds can aid economic and social cohesion. The ERDF Operational Programme is a further measure to stimulate regional economic growth in Ireland by investing in growth-enhancing sectors to improve competitiveness and create jobs."
Minister Harris said:
“As we seek to come to terms with the impact of COVID-19, it is clear this pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on younger workers and those in lower paid occupations.
“As part of the European Social Fund, we have an opportunity to get people back to work, expand their qualifications and skills and ensure no one is left behind.
“In the next round ESF+, we want you to have your say on our priorities, to focus on the skills required to thrive in the ongoing digital and green transitions, and on how we can protect the most vulnerable in society."
Interested parties are invited to register for the event and complete the consultation survey which is open until Friday 4 September.
Further details on the event, as well as information on how to respond to the survey can be found on the dedicated consultation website www.esif.ie.
If you have any queries in relation to the consultation please contact: consultation@nwra.ie
ENDS
Cohesion policy is the EU’s strategy to promote and support the ‘overall harmonious development’ of its Member States and regions. It is an important tool to stimulate economic growth, promote social cohesion and to reduce disparities between the regions of the EU. It is a concrete demonstration of European solidarity, ensuring the benefits of increased economic activity are more equally shared.
The framework for cohesion policy in the 2021-2027 period is set out in the draft Common Provisions Regulation (CPR). Ireland will have access to the following funds covered by the CPR:
Each Member State is required to prepare a Partnership Agreement outlining the strategic funding priorities for the period, and Operational Programmes detailing how they will implement the Funds.
This consultation will cover the overall Partnership Agreement for 2021-2027 and the Operational Programmes for ERDF and ESF+. Separate consultation processes will be held in relation to the detailed planning of the EMFF, AMIF and the JTF.
The design and drafting of the Partnership Agreement and Operational Programmes will take place over the coming months, taking into account the findings of the consultation. Programming will also be informed by the findings of a Needs Analysis conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants on behalf of the Programming Authorities.
The proposed date of commencement of the new Programmes is 1 January 2021.