Press release
Minister McGrath appoints Regional Assemblies to ERDF Managing Authority Roles
From Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath TD, has announced today (Thursday), that there will be two operational programmes with the Regional Assemblies acting as Managing Authorities for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Operational Programmes for the 2021 – 2027 programming period.
Ireland is likely to receive €350m in ERDF funding in the period 2021-2027.
Reflecting the two different EU classifications of the development status of different regions in Ireland, the Regional Development Model will create two Operational Programmes:
1. The area designated as ‘Region in Transition’, (as its GDP is 75%-100% of the EU27 average), is to be managed by the Northern Western Regional Assembly (NWRA)
2. The two regions designated as ‘More Developed’, (as the GDP in each of the regions is over 100% of the EU average), is to be managed by the Southern Regional Assembly (SRA), with significant collaboration from the Eastern Midlands Regional Assembly.
The ERDF Operational Programmes are developed under an EU Partnership model, with extensive consultation involving social partners and voluntary groups. This will set out how the ERDF funding allocation will be spent and implemented for the 2021-27 period. Alongside the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Managing Authority will assist in the drafting the ERDF Operational Programmes. The MAs will monitor implementation on the ground as well as managing projects compliance with EU Regulations and submitting claims for up to 60% of the cost.
Speaking about the appointment Minister McGrath said:
“I welcome the continued relationship with the three Regional Assemblies for the next round of ERDF funding. This well-established programme has delivered real practical benefits for communities throughout Ireland such as co-funding the roll out of broadband services, the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme and scientific innovation initiatives amongst many others.
The new round of funding over the next 7 years will be put to very good use to support sustainable employment opportunities, combat social exclusion, promote research and development and develop an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient economy.
Driving balanced regional development is a core goal for Government. The ERDF Operational Programme is a key mechanism to stimulate regional economic growth in Ireland by investing in growth-enhancing sectors to improve competitiveness and create jobs and we intend to maximise its impact."
ENDS
Notes for Editors
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between its regions.
Five main objectives will drive EU investments in 2021-2027, with a strong focus for ERDF investments on objectives 1 and 2.
1. Smarter Europe, through innovation, digitisation, economic transformation and support to small and medium-sized businesses
2. a Greener, carbon free Europe, implementing the Paris Agreement and investing in energy transition, renewables and the fight against climate change
3. a more Connected Europe, with strategic transport and digital networks
4. a more Social Europe, delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights and supporting quality employment, education, skills, social inclusion and equal access to healthcare
5. a Europe closer to citizens, by supporting locally-led development strategies and sustainable urban development across the EU.
The Managing Authority is responsible for managing the Operational Programmes they provide information on the programmes, assist in the selection of eligible projects and monitor implementation. The functions of the MAs are set out under the draft ‘Common Provisions Regulation’ (CPR) and include:
From an administrative and planning point of view, Ireland is divided in to three regions: the Northern and Western, Southern, and Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly areas. The European Commission classifies regions within the EU as either being a “Less Developed Region”, (ie up to 74% of EU 27 Average), a “Transition Region” (75%-100% of EU27 Average), or a “More Developed Region”, (over 100% of the EU average) based on their GDP per head of population relative to the EU27 Average. This year the Northern & Western region has changed from a “More Developed Region” to a “Transition Region”. Both the Southern and Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly areas are classed as “More Developed Regions”.
More details regarding the Regional Assemblies can be found here:
The three Regional Assemblies were established to co-ordinate, promote, support strategic planning and sustainable development and promote effectiveness in local government and public services. Over the last couple of years these Regional Assemblies have developed Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) which will ensure the objectives of the National Planning Framework are delivered at a regional and local level. The objectives of the RSES are closely aligned to the EU policy objectives for 2021 – 2027.