BMW Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013

Preparation

The Irish Government once again designated the BMW Regional Assembly to be the Managing Authority for the BMW Regional Operational Programme (BMWROP) 2007-2013 and to take a lead role in its preparation and delivery. Work got underway in 2006 on the preparation of the new BMWROP. This consisted of a consultation process and also took into account the outcomes of the Regional Foresight 2005-2025 and the Audit of Innovation research reports for the BMW Region. The Structural Funds are concentrated on implementing community policies, namely the Lisbon and Gothenburg Agendas. The BMWROP 2007-2013 was approved by the Commission in October 2007 following extensive public consultation, evaluation and negotiations with the European Commission.

Overview
The BMWROP 2007-2013 has a planned investment of €572m of which €229m is provided by the EU Structural Funds under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective. One of the conditions of the Region’s designation as an Objective 2 ‘phasing in’ region is that 79% of the EU contribution has been committed over the first three years of the programme. The programme has three main priorities, taking account of EU priorities, national policies and regional needs: (i) ICT, Innovation and the Knowledge Economy; (ii) Environment and Risk Prevention; and (iii) Urban Development and Secondary Transport Networks.

 

 

 

Adoption and Launch
The BMWROP 2007-2013 was formally adopted at a signing ceremony in Brussels hosted by Commissioner Danuta Hübner, on December 12th 2007. This was attended by Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., the Chairperson of the BMW Regional Assembly, Councillor James Deegan and the Assistant Director, Mr. Kieran Moylan.

The BMW Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013 was formally launched by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., in Tullamore, Co. Offaly on December 17th 2007.

 

 

 

 

Monitoring Committee
The first meeting of the new BMWROP 2007-2013 Monitoring Committee took place on November 19th 2007 in the Assembly Chamber and was chaired by the former Chairperson of the BMW Assembly and current member, Councillor Connie Hanniffy from Offaly County Council.

 

 

Impact of Priorities To-Date 2008
The total expenditure reported to the end of 2008 amounted to €62.8m representing almost 11% of the total budget. The main focus during 2007 and 2008 has been on the finalisation and negotiation of the BMWROP and as well as putting in place the necessary and substantial implementation, financial management and control arrangements.