Regional Development
During my previous term of office, I was a member of the Regional Development Committee in the European Parliament; The Committee is a key committee because it helps decides how much money will be allocated in EU regional Development funding to Ireland.
- During my time as a member of this Committee I have secured 60 Million Euros in Funding for Cross Border Projects in Ireland.
- I have secured greater emphasis of creating jobs in Fishing Communities and I have worked on securing EU funding for energy related measures in the region.
- I have also worked to increase EU funding for research and development.
- I have raised the under investment in public transport and I have always sought to promote Ireland and protect irish interests.
Regional Development in the EU
In the period 2009-2014 the Committee will be discussing new ways to divide the funds and new ways of gauging how much funding a region should receive. It is vital therefore that Ireland has a strong representation on this Committee and I will provide that if re-elected.
The Regional Development Committee in the European Parliament is responsible for:
Regional and cohesion policy, in particular:
- The European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the other instruments of the Union's regional policy,
- Assessing the impact of other Union policies on economic and social cohesion,
- Coordination of the Union's structural instruments,
- Outermost regions and islands as well as trans-frontier and interregional cooperation,
- Relations with the Committee of the Regions, inter-regional cooperation organisations and local and regional authorities.
