Welsh Government
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Minister celebrates 20 years of Ireland Wales cooperation
Plans for new £80m EU investment set to bring further benefits.
The Ireland Wales Cooperation programme supports collaborative and innovative projects between partners in Wales and Ireland to provide joint solutions to common economic, environmental and social challenges. Through the 2007-2013 programme, £42m (€51m) from the European Regional Development Fund has been invested in 41 high quality co-operative projects.
The new programme is currently being negotiated by the European Commission. It is worth around £80m and will begin early next year. It will be managed by the Welsh Government in partnership with Irish Authorities and will focus on investments in innovation, climate change, and the utilisation of natural and cultural resources.
Finance Minister said:
“We are delighted to pick up the baton as the Managing Authority for the Ireland Wales Cooperation programme. Over the last 20 years this EU programme has been supporting innovative projects that have been making a real impact on our economies, people and communities. We have much to celebrate at this 20th anniversary event and we will build on the significant achievements made.
“Wales is perfectly located for doing business with Ireland and provides a link to the UK market and Europe beyond. There are also strong synergies between Irish aspirations and those of the Welsh Government on driving sustainable economic growth and jobs for our two Nations, and we will continue to work together to explore effective co-operation opportunities in an increasingly global economic and, indeed, social environment.”
The Ireland/Wales programme was submitted to the European Commission on 22 September with formal approval of the programme expected in 2015.
Opening the event, Minister Howlin praised the achievements of the programme. He said:
“The strong historical and cultural bond between Ireland and Wales has successfully been nurtured by the programme over the past two decades to benefit both nations. The benefits in the economic, cultural, environmental and academic spheres are well documented and can be seen here today. The programme has supported our shared aspiration to build inclusive and sustainable communities”.
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