CBI Northern Ireland along with Ibec and ICTU, have called for the swift approval of €80m in EU project funds at a meeting in Glasgow of the EU Interreg VA Programme Monitoring Committee. The funding from this EU Programme is currently being jointly applied for by qualifying projects from Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. If delivered, the funds can significantly boost employment and business prospects in these countries.

Although Interreg VA and its parallel Peace IV Programme run from 2014 to 2020, Ibec, the CBI and ICTU are concerned because contracts have yet to be signed. The programme was designed to benefit universities, colleges, firms and organisations in the eligible area but the necessary funding has not been delivered. This delay is deeply frustrating for all those who have already applied. Until formal contracts are signed, this funding will remain on hold, which is hampering potential job growth.

In response to last week’s UK/EU Referendum, the Monitoring Committee urged the Northern Ireland and Scottish Executives along with the Irish Government to enable the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to significantly accelerate the pace of their approval process. This will ensure as many funding contracts as possible are signed in the coming months before the UK triggers the Article 50 exit mechanism.

To achieve this, Ibec, the CBI and ICTU have supported proposals from Committee members who called for quicker processing of applications and fixed deadlines that are adhered to.

The three organisations believe it is essential that every possible action is taken by accountable departments in the three administrations to avoid any of this funding being put at risk by the outcome of the UK’s referendum on EU membership.

Statement issued on behalf of:

David Gavaghan, Chairman, CBI Northern Ireland

Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec

Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary, ICTU