WIREDGOV

An EU funding programme that will invest £80 million to strengthen economic links between Wales and Ireland has been given the green light by the European Commission.

The new Ireland-Wales Co-operation programme 2014–2020 will see Welsh and Irish partners working together on collaborative projects in the areas of innovation, climate change, cultural and natural resources, heritage and tourism.

It will be managed by the Welsh Government in partnership with Irish authorities, including the Southern Regional Assembly and Irish Government, with people, businesses, social enterprises and communities within the south-east region of Ireland and the north and west of Wales set to benefit from the EU investment.

The Minister announced the EU’s approval of the programme while visiting KIM Inspire, a social enterprise in Holywell which benefited from the Ireland-Wales programme 2007–2013, and provides training and volunteering opportunities to women affected by mental health problems.

The Minister said: 

"The Ireland-Wales programme has helped build very effective relationships and created significant benefits for our Irish and Welsh communities. It is a unique partnership, and new EU investments will help us build on our shared aspirations for economic growth and job creation."

Annie said: 

"It’s been a wonderful opportunity to take part in this project and to meet with so many knowledgeable people from different fields both here in Wales and Ireland.

"Successful social enterprises are key to supporting the services we provide and ensuring KIM Inspire is as successful and sustainable as possible. Through the project, I’ve learnt a huge amount about social enterprise innovation and that’s made a big difference to our organisation as we’ve been developing our work in this area."

"I am delighted that we have secured EU approval for the new Ireland Wales Co-operation programme. It will invest in projects supporting innovation in technologies, products, processes and services and will benefit coastal communities. 

"It will also address climate change adaptation relating to the Irish Sea and will enhance the shared cultural and natural heritage that Ireland and Wales enjoy and thereby increase visitors to both regions.  

"As a Minister from the region I am pleased that each project supported by this new investment will aim to increase jobs and growth, will have a high social impact and will advance social and economic cohesion across the Ireland Wales maritime border."