Minister McGrath launches investment of €217 million in Northern and Western Region from Ireland’s ERDF Programme

Today Tuesday 29th November 2022, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath T.D. together with the Southern Regional Assembly, Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, launched Ireland’s two ERDF Programmes for the period 2021 – 2027. Following lengthy negotiations, the EU Commission adopted the two ERDF Programmes on the 18th of November 2022.

The two ERDF Programmes set out Ireland’s investment strategy for €853 million, of which €396 million is financed by the EU. The ERDF supports Irish regions in promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in line with key EU priorities.

The programmes will focus on three strategic outcomes:

  • developing smarter more competitive regions through measures like building Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) capacity in public research institutions and by strengthening regional innovation systems in line with Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy and the Regional Enterprise Plans.
  • supporting actions to scale up energy efficiency measures for those in energy poverty; and
  • supporting the sustainable regeneration of towns and urban centres using a Town Centres First Framework.

The programme covering the area north west of the country is to be managed by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA).

Commenting on the adoption of the ERDF Programmes, Minister McGrath said:

“This funding represents the continuation of an important support mechanism for projects focussing on regional research and innovation and addressing the challenges of the green and digital transformation.

“The adoption of these regional programmes represents the culmination of extensive work and effort by many stakeholders in particular the Regional Assemblies and I would like to acknowledge and thank all those involved.

“I wish those with the responsibility of implementing these programmes every success in the years ahead.”

Director of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) David Minton welcomed the Minister’s announcement. He said: “Ireland has one of the highest levels of regional inequality amongst EU member states. Despite the country’s economic growth, a very uneven pattern of success can be identified where some areas of the country are benefiting significantly less than our capital region. This presents a less positive micro picture of economic success. This investment will significantly address some of our structural weaknesses”.

Mr. Minton said the regional programme submitted by the NWRA was a major investment in the region’s future. He added: “The EU has always been a major contributor to our economy. We are excited to be working with our government partners to deliver this significant investment, which underlines our ambition to be more competitive, more specialised, more urban and more green. It’s an investment in our young people, our talent, our educational institutions, and our towns”.

The Minister’s investment announcement was also welcomed by Chairperson of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly Cllr David Collins who acknowledged the Government’s support for the NWRA in seeking an enhanced package of ERDF funds.

Cllr Collins said: “The investment announcement today of more than €217 million in ERDF funds will help this region achieve its ambition. The investment in the ERDF co-financed programme will help address our structural weaknesses and help us create healthier and more vibrant town’s. However, the biggest challenges lie ahead.”

“The NWRA is advocating for a sustained policy focus on the border and west to ensure long-term sustainable progress and economic inclusion” added Cllr Collins.

ERDF Programmes

Ireland’s ERDF allocation for the 2021 – 2027 period amounts to circa €396 million, and with national co-financing the total ERDF programmes will amount to over €853 million over the period. The focus of the Funds is shaped by the Common Provision Regulations, which provides that the Funds as a whole shall support the following broad Policy Objectives:

1. A smarter Europe – innovative and smart economic transformation. ERDF investment under this objective are informed by the development of DETE’s recently published Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 (S3) and the Regional Enterprise Plans . S3 is an essential requirement for drawdown of ERDF funds under this policy objective

2. A greener, low-carbon Europe – by promoting clean and fair energy transition

3. A more connected Europe – mobility and regional ICT connectivity

4. A more social Europe – implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

5. Europe closer to citizens – sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas through local initiative

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Statement

The Northern & Western Regional Operational Programme 2021-2027 was submitted to the European Commission on 1st November 2022 and was adopted on Novemebr 21st 2022.

An Environmental Report under the requirements of the SEA Directive, transposed into Irish domestic law through the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (SI 435/2004 and SI 200/2011), and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (SI 436/2004 and SI 201/2011) was prepared in parallel with the preparation of the Operational Programme. This report summarises the likely significant effects on the environment due to the implementation of the Operational Programme and recommends mitigation measures to address these identified significant effects. The Environmental Report was also submitted with the Operational Programme to the EU.

The adopted Operational Programme and the Environmental Report are available for inspection at the Northern & Westeren Regional Assembly Offices, at the address below or downloaded by clicking the links listed.

An SEA Statement has been prepared, following the adoption of the Operational Programme. This statement summarises how the environmental considerations and the Environmental Report were factored into the Operational Programme and it also summarises how submissions received during the public consultation stage of the SEA process were considered.

The Operational Programme, SEA Statement and additional documentation can be downloaded here:

NWR SEA Statement

NWR Regional Programme 21-27 Post Consultation SEA Environmental Report

NWR SEA Non-technical Post Consultation

NW Regional Programme 2021-2027

and is is also available for public viewing at the address below:

Northern and Western Regional Assembly

Dillon House

The Square

Ballaghaderreen,

Co Roscommon,

Ireland,

094 986 2970

Galway City seeks to become European Net Zero Pilot City

New hub could be a ‘One Stop Shop’ for Energy Retrofit in Galway

Galway City Council has this week launched an application to the European Commission to become a ‘Net Zero Pilot City’ – bringing €1.5million in funding to implement innovative approaches to carbon reduction over a two year pilot programme. If successful, Galway City Council will be one of 30 ‘Pilot Cities’ in Europe, working across thematic areas to reduce carbon emissions. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to reach a legally binding target of net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and a cut of 51% by 2030. Galway City Council is supported in this ambitious application by Atlantic Technological University, University of Galway, Galway Chamber, Galway Harbour Company, Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Westside Resource Centre, Westside Sustainable Energy Community-Galway Energy Co-operative, Western Development Commission and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Galway City Council’s goal as part of the Pilot Cities application is to vastly reduce Carbon Emissions, focusing on the built environment, and specifically on the retrofit of buildings. The pilot will focus on addressing systemic barriers to rapid retrofitting in Galway, including lack of skilled contractors; high upfront cost of retrofitting; lack of awareness of existing incentives; long administrative & bureaucratic processes; and apathy of residents to retrofit.

Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Galway, Councillor Clodagh Higgins, said, “The key goal of the pilot project in Galway City is to increase the number of retrofitted buildings. The pilot proposes a ‘Retrofit Accelerator Programme’ to upskill contractors, incorporate learnings from post-retrofit performance management, and support behavioural change to increase people’s engagement around retrofitting”.

According to Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, “In the Baseline Emissions Inventory (BEI) carried out by Galway City Council, emissions from residential buildings constituted 34% of the overall emissions in Galway City in 2018. In response to this, Galway is already taking part in the National Building Retrofit Pathfinder Programme and has partnered with SEAI to provide various funding schemes to facilitate retrofit implementation. However, this pilot project would help us accelerate this work, and to place Galway in a leadership role on the path to decarbonisation. It will also mean more efficient homes, and lower costs for householders.”

The application is being supported by stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally. David Minton, Director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly – a partner in the application – said that ‘improved energy efficiency in buildings is a major pillar of EU decarbonisation and the European Green Deal. Furthermore, the Climate Pact’s main objectives include catalysing engagement and connecting citizens and organisations to act. Nowhere is better placed than Galway, which has already demonstrated its values of inclusion and sustainability through the arts and education. The proposed pilot activities for Galway incorporate these key components of the European strategy, while aligning firmly with Irish national ambitions and addressing major barriers to success’.

Europe has pledged to lead on climate action, and has set forth ambitious goals and directives to achieve that commitment. The Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe research and innovation programmes, the European Green Deal and other European Union policies and directives propel European Member States towards a 55% cut in emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.

Galway City Council expects to hear results of the application in February 2023.

Northern and Western region set for investment of €217m stimulus package

  • Region set to receive €217m stimulus through European Regional Development Funds
  • Region was recently classified as a ‘lagging industrial region’ and a region that is ‘In Transition’ by the European Commission

The European Commission has formally approved new investment totaling €217m European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) to support regional development schemes across Ireland’s northern and western region.

Following recent approval by the Irish Government, the ERDF Regional Programme drafted by the Northern & Western Regional Assembly, was submitted to the EU Commission for its review and final negotiations.

The EU Commission today approved the final investment programme, which will commence immediately.

Director of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) David Minton welcomed the approval of the funds for the 2021 to 2027 programme. He said: “Ireland has one of the highest levels of regional inequality amongst EU member states. Despite the country’s economic growth, a very uneven pattern of success can be identified where some areas of the country are benefiting significantly less than our capital region. This presents a less positive micro picture of economic success. This investment will significantly address some of our structural weaknesses”.

Mr. Minton said the regional programme submitted by the NWRA was a major investment in the region’s future. He added: “The EU has always been a major contributor to our economy. We are excited to be working with our government partners to deliver this significant investment, which underlines our ambition to be more competitive, more specialised, more urban and more green. It’s an investment in our young people, our talent, our educational institutions, and our towns”.

NWRA
Photo: James Connolly
15JUL22

The Commission’s approval of the programme was also welcomed by Chairperson of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly Cllr David Collins who acknowledged the Government’s support for the NWRA in seeking an enhanced package of ERDF funds.

He added: “Two years ago we launched a campaign titled ‘Let’s Be More’. The approval today of more than €217 million in ERDF funds will help this region achieve its ambition. The investment in the ERDF co-financed programme will help address our structural weaknesses and help us create healthier and more vibrant town’s. However, the biggest challenges lie ahead.

“Our new Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is at an embryonic stage and needs a wider research footprint with more scope to engage directly with local and regional business, industry and enterprise stakeholders. Most excitingly is the opportunity for innovative regional partnerships to improve our entrepreneurial culture.”

The Assembly is advocating for a sustained policy focus on the border and west to ensure long-term sustainable progress and economic inclusion. According to Collins, actions to ensure this need to be ‘immediate and different’.

The Northern and Western Region’s economy was valued at €22.1 billion in 2019, equating to €24,926 per head of population. This according to Collins is in stark contrast with the state average of €66,716. The region is ‘acutely exposed’ and we need to make sure that this is not exacerbated by forthcoming climate and biodiversity challenges.

Full details of the scheme will be launched shortly but will include:

  • Financial support to build the capacity of the new ATU to support regional research, capacity building and innovation
  • Support regional industry with enhanced financial supports through TU Gateways (Enterprise Ireland)
  • Improve supports to regional enterprise to pursue further commercialisation of products and services
  • Delivery of a regional smart hub network for research, training, innovation, commercialization
  • Underpinning the region’s existing enterprise ecosystem with training and innovation supports
  • Working with SEAI to ensure households get deep energy retrofits
  • Addressing the high rate of derelict and vacant properties in the region

*For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Northern & Western Regional Assembly, 094 986 2970

Lack of EV charge points in the Northern and Western Region

  • Number of publicly available EV charge points notably low in rural counties
  • One million electric vehicles by 2030 not achievable without proper charging point infrastructure

The lack of adequate electric vehicle (EV) charge point infrastructure in rural Ireland raises serious doubts about the government’s ability to deliver on the Climate Action Plan’s commitment to have almost one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030.

Research carried out by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) has examined the number of publicly available EV charge points for each county on the island of Ireland.

The NWRA has also, in collaboration with the survey company Ireland-Thinks, undertaken a survey of residents based in rural and urban areas of the Northern and Western region for their opinions on EVs and EV charge point infrastructure

The analysis outlines to policymakers what is needed to encourage a greater uptake of EVs and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles in rural regions.

The Climate Action Plan sets targets that require a transformation in how we travel and connect our communities. EVs can help meet these targets as improvements in battery technology and market offerings have made EVs a viable low-carbon alternative for rural residents who typically lack access to public transport.

According to the report:

  • The Northern and Western region has 488 publicly available EV charge points. Northern Ireland has 529, the Southern region has 920 and the Eastern and Midland region has 1,261.
  • The counties with the highest number of publicly available EV charge points were Dublin (639), Antrim (240), Cork (239), Kildare (174) and Galway (172), with the lowest number located in Leitrim (8), Longford (19), Monaghan (24), Offaly (27) and Fermanagh (29).
  • In addition to it being the most rural-oriented region under Project Ireland 2040, the Northern and Western Region registered the lowest concentration of publicly available EV charge points per km2 on the island of Ireland.

The survey of 559 residents of the Northern and Western region found that:

  • 79% were “very unlikely” to buy a new EV within the next 12 months, with only 3% “very likely” to buy a new EV in the same period.
  • If the government were to increase the maximum grant rate for EV purchases from €5,000 to €10,000, the percentage of respondents that were “very likely” to purchase an EV within the next 12 months rises from 3% to 12%, while those that were “very unlikely” to purchase an EV within a year falls from 79% to 49%.
  • If more “Fast” EV charge points were provided, the percentage of respondents “very unlikely” to buy a new EV in the next 12 months drops from 79% to 57%, while those that were “very likely” to purchase an EV within the next 12 months rises from 3% to 11%.
  • 31% felt that every village and town should have at least two EV charge points to encourage a greater uptake of EVs and to reduce “range anxiety”, with 20% of respondents feeling that at least two EV charge points was needed for every 5 kms, while 18% of respondents felt that at least one EV charge point was needed in every petrol station.

 

The NWRA is making the following recommendations to address the issue: 

  • Enhance provisions under the Climate Action Fund so more EV charge points can be installed in the Northern and Western Region, particularly Fast and High-powered EV charge points.
  • Ensure EV charge points are deployed in accessible locations – while there should be at least 2 publicly available EV charge points for every village and town in the region.
  • Remove the co-financing requirement for the Electric Vehicle Public Charge Point Grant for Local Authorities based in the Northern and Western Region.
  • Implement regionally-targeted grants for EV purchases valued between €20,000 and €60,000 so residents of rural regions receive higher grant rates than their urban counterparts.
  • Explore increasing the maximum grant of €5,000 for EV purchases valued between €20,000 and €60,000 and examine the merits of enhancing other financial reliefs.
  • Launch a regional promotional campaign across the Northern and Western Region to highlight government supports and grants available to purchase an EV.

According to John Daly, Economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly:

“The roll out of publicly available EV charge points needs to be dramatically improved across Ireland if the government is to deliver one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030, particularly in rural regions such as the Northern and Western Region.

“Our research has found that the lack of publicly available EV charge points is one of the key factors discouraging people from the Northern and Western region in switching to EVs, with this type of infrastructure central to overcoming challenges such as ‘range anxiety’, namely an EV driver’s fear that they will run out of power before reaching their destination.

“Policymakers may also consider enhancing EV grants as the high price of EVs was seen as the greatest barrier to purchasing an EV, while the provision of regionally targeted grants could improve the uptake of EVs in rural regions with low levels of disposable income.” 

Download the Regional EV Charge Point Analysis

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Contact NWRA

Northern & Western Regional Assembly
Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen
Co. Roscommon
F45 WY26
Ireland

+353 (0) 94 986 2970

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