Regional Programme invests €241m in the Border, Midland and Western Region

Expenditure of €241m was reported to the 5th meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme 2007-13 which took place in the Regional Assembly’s chamber in Ballaghaderreen on Friday 30th April.

Mr. Gerry Finn, Director of the BMW Regional Assembly in presenting the progress report to the Monitoring Committee, stated that significant progress had been made in spite of the economic downturn. The programme had surpassed 50% of its expenditure target and in this regard ranked very well in comparison with similar programmes across the EU. This demonstrated that the programme was being effectively managed by the Regional Assembly and the Implementing Departments. The Monitoring Committee was informed that a programme modification had been approved by the EU in October 2009 and arising from this, it is expected that the Operational Programme would meet its overall expenditure targets if there were no major budgetary cutbacks in the co-funded schemes.

A key area of progress to date had been the two major road projects supported under the Regional OP – the Tullamore Bypass and the M6 Athlone to Ballinasloe motorway, both of which are now open to traffic. Other areas of progress included the roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme, the funding of research in third level institutions and the continued operations of the County Enterprise Boards. New co-funded renewable energy initiatives had been introduced in 2009 along with a Gateway and Hub Fund managed by the Regional Assembly. All of these investments are contributing to the competitiveness and attractiveness of the BMW region and are helping to build a knowledge economy, said Mr. Finn.

The opening of the new visitor centre at Ballycroy National Park County Mayo on April 30th by Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD, was welcomed at the meeting. This EU co-funded facility beside the 12,000 hectare National Park, comprises reception and exhibition areas on the ground level, with a tearoom and an education area on the first floor level with lift access to a viewing platform on the roof. This will attract additional tourists to the region and raise the profile of the West region in particular.

A presentation was given to the Monitoring Committee on the outcomes of a recent public awareness survey on the structural funds. This highlighted a continued high level of awareness and understanding of the structural funds among the general public and recognition of the EU flag and logo. Arrangements for a mid-term evaluation of the performance of the BMW OP were also outlined at the meeting.

The Monitoring Committee plays a key role in ensuring the effectiveness of the implementation of the EU co-funded measures included in the Regional Operational Programme 2007-13. The Committee is comprised primarily of Government Departments and Agencies, Social Partners, and Regional Interests. The EU Commission is also represented on the Committee.