BMW Regional Operational Programme 2007- 2013 
Under the 2007-13 round of EU Structural Funds, the Border, Midland and Western region is no longer eligible as an objective 1 region and qualifies for assistance as a Regional Competitiveness and Employment region (objective 2).
The Irish Government, as set out in the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) has decided that Cohesion policy will be delivered through separate Regional Operational Programmes for the BMW and the Southern and Eastern regions and a national ESF Operational Programme. The BMW Regional Assembly has been designated by the Irish Government as the Managing Authority for the new programme and responsible for its preparation and delivery. 
The new Operational Programme was prepared taking account of EU priorities, regulations and guidelines, national policies and strategies and regional needs. A lengthy consultation process was undertaken during 2006 involving Government Departments and Agencies and regional bodies.
The 2007 - 2013 Operational Programme may be downloaded in pdf format here - BMW Regional Operational Programme (4.02mb pdf)
The 2007 - 2013 Operational Programme Ex Ante Evaluation Report may be downloaded here - Ex Ante Evaluation (797kb pdf)
The 2007 - 2013 Annual Implementation Report 2008 may be downloaded here - Annual Implementation Report 2008 (2.34mb pdf)
An Environmental Report was prepared in consultation with the environmental authorities and was made available for public consultation in early 2007.
The objective of the Operational Programme is:
“To facilitate innovation, ensure sustainable development, improve accessibility and develop the urban fabric within the region, in order to enhance overall productivity and competitiveness.”
The Regional OP 2007 – 2013, with an overall budget of €572m, proposes to concentrate EU investment in the following areas:
Priority Axis 1: Innovation, ICT and the Knowledge Economy
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Applied Research Enhancement, Incubation Facilities and related Collaboration initiatives
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Building Research Capacity
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Micro-Enterprise Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Broadband Provision and Demand Stimulation
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Experimental Innovative Actions
Priority Axis 2 – Environment and Risk Prevention
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Rural Water Source Protection
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Pilot Village Sewerage Scheme
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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Priority Axis 3: Urban Development and Secondary Transport Networks
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Urban Regeneration
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Key Linking Routes
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Public Transport
Follow this link for information on the BMW Regional Operational Programme 2000 - 2006