Europe Day 2022

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Partnership with Europe

In celebration of Europe Day 2022 (9th May), Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD shares a message

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n 10th May 2022, we will mark 50 years since the Irish people voted overwhelmingly to join what is now the European Union. Our membership has played a pivotal role in Ireland’s social and economic transformation in the intervening five decades. The values of the European Union are our values.

At no point over that time has it been more important to defend those values than now, in the face of Russia’s illegal and immoral war on Ukraine. Ireland and the EU remain resolute in their solidarity and support for Ukraine.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD

EUROPE DAY

Europe Day: Solidarity in Adversity

EU Funds continue to support projects across all regions of the country. As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have overall policy responsibility for Cohesion Policy Funds that amount to €1.3 billion for the 2021–2027 period. Supplemented by significant co-funding from the Irish Government, this investment will make a real difference to our regions and communities.

The NextGenerationEU recovery instrument is central he European Union has rarely marked 9th May – to the EU’s response to the global pandemic. Ireland is Europe Day – in more troubling circumstances. expected to receive more than €900 million in grants under Since its origins, Europe Day has been a day of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Ireland’s National celebration. On 9th May 1945, the guns of war went Recovery and Resilience Plan will help build a sustainable, silent in Europe after the destruction of World War II. Five equitable, green and digital recovery that complements and years later, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed supports the Government’s broader recovery effort. the creation of a coal and steel community – later to become The Brexit Adjustment Reserve represents an important the European Union – to pool economic resources and to response by the European Union to the challenges posed by make war impossible. the departure of the UK. The Reserve will help counter the Yet, in 2022, the unthinkable has happened: war has returned adverse economic and social consequences of Brexit. As the to Europe. Once again, the horrors of the Second World War Member State most impacted by Brexit, Ireland will receive and the wars in the former Yugoslavia are revisited. We see just over €1 billion, the largest allocation for any Member daily the horrific loss of lives, destruction of towns and cities, State. and the devastation of farms and rural communities.

The Irish Government succeeded in securing support This year, on Europe Day, our thoughts are with the from both the EU and UK for a special new, billion Euro Ukrainian people. cross-border North-South PEACEPLUS programme to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24th February was strongly build on and continue the work of successive PEACE and condemned by the EU for grossly violating international INTERREG programmes. This support embodies the EU’s law, undermining European stability and causing widespread strong commitment to the process of peace building and unnecessary human suffering. To impose severe costs on reconciliation for more than a quarter of a century.

Russia, the EU has implemented five sweeping waves of In addition to these funds, Irish agriculture continues sanctions to target the financial flows fuelling the war. to benefit from the Common Agricultural Policy and the In April, European Commission President Ursula von der Irish economy. Irish business and employment in Ireland Leyen was the first western continue to thrive in the massive leader to visit Ukraine. The opportunities offered by the EU is providing significant Single Market.

As part of Europe Day humanitarian relief, with over Of course, the European half a billion Euros already Union means more than financial celebrations, across these four committed as humanitarian transfers and internal markets. pages, we share just some of aid, in addition to efforts to It embodies a commitment provide refugees with temporary to common values, a shared the many ways EU funding has protection, resettlement and solidarity, a common prosperity improved life in Ireland transfers. At this stage, over and a determination that the seven million Ukrainian people Union be a champion of peace are displaced and more than five and democracy. This is the true million have left the country. achievement of the European This year marks 50 years since Ireland signed the Treaty of project. This is what we celebrate on Europe Day 2022.

Accession to join the European Economic Community, what later became the EU – and during that time, Ireland has helped Lá na hEorpa faoi mhaise daoibh go léir. shape the EU we know and cherish today. This is something

Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Fiscal Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, speaks about why peace and solidarity are more important than ever

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National Recovery and Resilience Plan

Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Fiscal Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union we can be proud of. The EU continues to advance its goal of promoting peace and the well-being of its citizens, and we make progress based on a shared set of values while respecting cultural diversity amongst our Member States.

In recent years, we Europeans have weathered economic, environmental and health storms. As we mark Europe Day, Russia’s war in Ukraine demonstrates that the need for European solidarity and for our vision of peaceful cooperation has never been greater.

Back into the workforce

Guy Montbouli speaks about his experience on the Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) with Álainn Tours Ltd.

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n July 2020, the European Council adopted a historic €800 billion recovery package, NextGenEU (Next Generation EU), as a shared response to the severe health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. NextGenEU is an ambitious and common recovery package which will complement and support each country’s own national response to the crisis.

Key to NextGenEU is the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), an instrument that allows the European Commission to help Member States implement reforms and investments, to aid in their COVID recovery and address challenges identified in country-specific recommendations under the European Semester framework of economic and social policy coordination.

Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NNRP) will be supported by the RRF through grants totalling almost €1 billion, alongside national funds.

The overall objective of Ireland’s NNRP is to contribute to a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery effort, in a manner that complements and supports the Government’s broader recovery efforts.

Ireland’s Plan is based on 16 investment projects and nine reform measures covering the following priorities: • Priority 1: Advancing the Green Transition • Priority 2: Accelerating and Expanding Digital Reforms and Transformation • Priority 3: Social and Economic Recovery and Job Creation Already, a number of key milestones have been achieved in line with the Plan: • The first update of the Climate Action Plan (the 2021 Climate Action Plan) was published in November.

• On eHealth investment, the contract for the ePharmacy systems has been signed.

• A programme of actions to implement the SME Test has been developed and published. All Government Departments have been advised of the requirement to apply the SME Test. A project plan for a Single SME Portal has been developed and published.

• The Trust or Company Service Provider Risk Assessment has been completed and published on the Department of

Finance’s website. It is available at: gov.ie/en/publication/e21f7b-national-risk-assessmentmoney-laundering-and-terrorist-financing/ • The Land Development Agency has been established as a commercial state body.

Further information on the RRF and NRRP can be found with the hashtag #NextGenEU and at the following links: • eufunds.ie/covid/recovery-and-resilience-facility/ • ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/recoverycoronavirus/recovery-and-resilience-facility/irelandsrecovery-and-resilience-plan_en

Brexit Adjustment Reserve Over the last 50 years, Ireland has benefitted from the solidarity that comes with EU membership. This solidarity has never been more evident than in the Brexit negotiations.

The full implications of the UK’s departure from the EU remain to be seen, but clearly will be significant. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement does not replicate the status quo. Seamless trade no longer exists.

This is why the Government has been working since 2016 to prepare for the consequences of Brexit. Our total Brexit-related expenditure, since the UK referendum on EU membership, is now over €1 billion.

The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) represents an important response by the European Union to the challenges posed by the UK’s departure from the EU and an important expression of solidarity with Ireland.

The purpose of the Reserve is to help counter the adverse economic and social consequences of Brexit in the sectors and Member States that are worst affected.

Ireland will receive just over €1 billion of Brexit funding, the biggest single allocation for any Member State, representing just over 20pc of the total fund. As the Member State most affected by Brexit, it is appropriate that we would be the largest beneficiary.

Budget 2022 announced that around €500 million of the overall BAR allocation will be made available as a first tranche of funding, with the remainder available in 2023. Indicative areas for BAR funding include: enterprise supports, measures to support fisheries and coastal communities, targeted supports for the agri-food sector, reskilling and retraining, and checks and controls at Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort.

Further information on the Brexit Adjustment Reserve can be found with the hashtag #EUSolidarity and at: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/ brexit-adjustment-reserve/

hrough the WPEP, Guy Montbouli from Sligo, obtained work placement with Álainn Tours Ltd, after seeing the role advertised on JobsIreland.ie.

WPEP, which is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, allows employers to host a jobseeker on a work experience placement and to help the jobseeker to build new skills and gain valuable work experience. The programme is targeted at jobseekers who are on certain social welfare payments for six months and want to avail of training and work experience to re-engage with the job market.

“My main motivation for applying was the chance of getting a training opportunity in a real work environment, where previous experience was not compulsory,” says Guy. “This scheme was a great opportunity to find my way back to work.

For every task relating to my work, there was a mixture of job shadowing and hands-on support. This was very helpful and took away the pressure of making mistakes.

During the work placement, the participant is paid by the Department of Social Protection.

Guy says that spending time learning new skills in a real work setting, while being financially supported, was very helpful. “This has allowed me to develop myself and secure fulltime employment with the host company, Álainn Tours.

“The training was not hard for me because of my accounting background and the way it was provided. My mentor was very supportive and patient, giving me enough time for coaching, training and feedback. I will definitely recommend the scheme if you are seeking your way back to work, whether that’s in a field you worked before or new area.”

Corine Ledanois, co-owner of Álainn Tours Ltd and Guy Montbouli as happy “Ambassadors” for the WPEP Programme, while highlighting Álainn Tours Ltd.

Enhancing digital opportunities We look at how the Digital Transition Fund is helping Irish companies on their digitalisation journey post-pandemic

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mbracing digital technologies is crucial for our post-pandemic economic recovery. A competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base is essential to provide high-quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions.

The digital economy in Ireland is running at two different speeds. While a small proportion of the enterprise base has fully embraced digitalisation, with an associated productivity boost, there is a need to accelerate and enhance digital adoption right across Irish businesses.

To boost the uptake of digital technology in enterprises, the Government have set up the Digital Transition Fund as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. This is an €85 million multi-annual fund, which will run until 2026. Under Budget 2022, €10 million was allocated to the Digital Transition Fund.

The funding will be used to help companies at all stages of their digital journey – from the early days of simply going online to digitalisation of products and business processes, to facilitating exporting and to using digital technologies to develop new markets and business models.

Undertaking digitalisation can be daunting and challenging for businesses. Many companies view investment in digital technology as a cost, rather than a long-term opportunity. However, it represents an investment that can not only improve their resilience, but help address the big challenges businesses face.

A lack of awareness of digital solutions is one of the main barriers that SMEs in particular face. One of the key features of the Digital Transition Fund will be the development of an online Digital Portal, which will be open to all businesses.

Through the Digital Portal, companies will be able to assess their digital readiness and will be used to signpost supports for digitalisation.

To help make digital technology more readily available to SMEs, Ireland will soon be part of a network of EDIHs. These hubs will play a critical role in facilitating the digitalisation of Irish SMEs across industries and regions through services such as ‘test before invest’, innovation and financing advice, and training and skills development.

They will also incentivise collaboration and clustering to maximise innovation and spillovers between SMEs and large

multi-national companies.

Ireland is committed to continuing its fast-paced digital transformation. This will be guided by the National Digital Strategy, which was launched in February 2022.

“Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework” is a high-level framework to support Ireland’s ambition to be a digital leader, at the heart of European and global digital developments.

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NEW OPPORTUNITIES

European Social Fund

The European Social Fund (ESF) is the EU’s main instrument for investing in people. The ESF has now merged with the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD) and the directly managed Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) Programme, to become the ESF+.

The aim of the ESF+ is to achieve high employment levels, fair social protection, and a skilled and resilient workforce for the future world of work.

Since joining the EU, Ireland has received over €7 billion from the ESF to support actions in the areas of employment, education and skills and social inclusion, opening doors to skills, work, qualifications and a more inclusive society for all. The fund is managed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

We can quit smoking

Ann Osborne didn’t think she would ever be able to quit smoking for good. But the EUfunded We Can Quit course changed everything for her

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nn Osborne first started smoking cigarettes over 40 years ago. In the decades since, she frequently tried to give them up, even attending sessions of acupuncture and hypnotherapy to help her quit.

While she managed to reduce the number of cigarettes from a pack of 20 to five per day, she just could not manage to stop smoking altogether.

But in December 2020, Ann set herself a new personal goal for the year ahead to quit smoking forever.

“I had tried to give up completely with patches and other smoking aids, but it was never successful,” says Ann who lives in Blanchardstown, Dublin. “I think it was because I was trying to do it on my own and I didn’t have the support of others going through the same thing. But when I saw the advert for the We Can Quit programme, I thought it would be a really positive way of stopping for good.”

European Maritime Fisheries Fund The European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is the fund for the EU’s maritime and fisheries policies for 2014-2020.

The EMFF in Ireland: • helps fishers adapt to sustainable fishing • supports coastal communities in diversifying their economies • finances projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along Irish coasts • supports sustainable aquaculture developments • supports the implementation of the maritime policy The EMFF has made approximately €239.2 million available to the Irish Seafood Sector, including €147 million of EU funds and is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, with support of several state agencies including BIM, Bord Bia, Marine Institute & SFPA.

Tasty, local produce at East Pier in Dunmore East

Christopher Amegah speaks about how a Laboratory Techniques Traineeship with Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) boosted his employment prospects after migrating to Ireland

“I Ann Osborne We Can Quit is a free, friendly, and supportive 12-week programme for women who wish to stop smoking. It includes weekly facilitated group meetings and one-to-one supports.

It also includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for women over the age of 18 to the value of €450. The programme is offered by the HSE in partnership with Empower. The programme is supported through SICAP, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, which receives funding from the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.

The programme is designed to support women who are unemployed or on low incomes. With a success rate of 61pc in 2020, Ann knew she was in good hands.

“At the time of the programme, I was unemployed, so I would not have been able to afford the things on this course if it wasn’t offered for free. I also loved that it was based locally and run by local people for people in the community.

“During the course, I would go online with others on the course, and we would share stories and our expectations. It was really useful to get tips on how to cope from everyone. We were each given a support person who we could contact at any time during, and even after, the course. And I’ve become very good friends with a few of the course participants too, so it’s great to catch up with them every now and then!”

It only took a couple of weeks on the course for Ann to quit completely and she hasn’t smoked since. She says she began to drink more water and exercise more regularly.

Ann is also now in full-time employment working in the National Learning Network in Phibsborough as a Teaching Instructor with the Freshstart Programme. Giving up has been like a fresh start for Ann too.

“It has made such a difference in my life,” says Ann. “I feel healthier, and people even say I look healthier. I never tried to go this long without smoking, but now it’s as if I can’t remember when I did smoke. I recommended it to a friend of mine because it really worked for me, and I think it can work for everyone.”

Joanne Vance, Senior Health Promotion Officer at the Irish Cancer Society, adds, “We Can Quit offers women a friendly and supportive network of like-minded women who know what they are going through. I would like to congratulate all of the women who have completed the programme to date – they are making such a positive impact on their lives.”

am originally from Ghana and I came to Ireland “During the Laboratory Techniques Traineeship, I to seek international protection in 2018,” says developed skills in a range of areas such as microbiology, Christopher Amegah. “I came here alone and lived nutrition and food chemistry,” says Christopher. “There in a hotel in Monaghan for two months, before I was a mix of classroom-based learning and I got to was moved to a house.” complete work experience at a local business, Monaghan Christopher says that while he was waiting for Mushrooms. a work permit, which took a few months, he “I felt very welcome during the Traineeship started thinking about what he could do in – the people in my class and lecturers were the meantime. amazing. The course was very diverse. I “When I was living in Ghana, I had really enjoyed it and the Traineeship a background in IT. But I always had gave me the opportunity to do what I a lot of love for science. So I kept an wanted to do. eye out for science-based courses.

“It was a very supportive I came across the Laboratory environment and as I was only Techniques Traineeship at Monaghan getting an allowance of around €62 a Institute and it appealed to me. week, which went on transport costs, I applied and was invited for an the Institute kindly provided lunch interview. I was delighted to discover allowances.”

I was successful in getting a place on Christopher feels that the the course. And two weeks into the Traineeship with CMETB, and the course, I received my work permit.” support of the EU, help to enhance Christopher Amegah A Traineeship is an occupational skills employment opportunities and inclusion in training development programme which Ireland. identifies the needs of a specific industry and leads “I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t to nationally recognised qualifications. CMETB responded take part in the Traineeship. It has really helped me. After to an identified skills deficit within the science field and a working with Monaghan Mushrooms, they recommended growth in laboratory technician professions. me for a position as a technician with mBio. This is one of Co-funded by the European Social Fund under the the largest mushroom providers and part of the Monaghan Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) Mushrooms group. mBio also arranged accommodation for 2014-2020, Traineeships are offered free-of-charge to me.” learners. The structure of the programme involves 17 weeks Speaking about the future, Christopher says, “There are of classroom-based learning at Monaghan Institute and 12 always going to be challenges. But where there is a will, weeks of work-based learning with a number of employers there’s a way. I would consider going back to college again within Monaghan and Cavan. to study further, as I really enjoyed my time during the The objective of the Traineeship is to train individuals to Traineeship. And I am also very grateful for the opportunity meet staffing needs of participating companies. mBio has given me. It all feels like a dream come true.”

Keeping local fishing traditions alive

Elaine Power, owner of East Pier in Dunmore East, Co Waterford, talks about bringing a new lease of life to the community through her business and how EU funding has been a support

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ntrepreneurism runs in Elaine Power’s blood. Back in 1905, her grandfather started a butcher and grocer’s in Dunmore East and today, her family has a pub and supermarket.

“When my father retired, my brother took over the supermarket and I decided to start my own new venture,” says Elaine. “When I worked in the family business, I delivered groceries every day by the harbour and I would pass an old vacant building, which was once a fish shop. That’s when I had a eureka moment.

“I felt there was a need to open up something by the harbour.

A dedicated seafood experience, with a casual, dockside feel, overlooking the bay and showcasing the area’s great seafood.

That’s when East Pier was born.”

In 2017, Elaine started the process of taking over the building by the harbour, overcoming loops and legalities. She sought support from the Fisheries Local Area Action Group (FLAG) fund, which is administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), and is co-funded under the EMFF. “The EU FLAG funding helped me a lot with the start-up costs for my business,” says Elaine. “The support really gives you a bit of confidence to try new ideas and see what works.”

Even though Elaine had years of experience in retail and was the butcher’s daughter, she knew she needed to upskill in the seafood industry before opening East Pier.

“I did various fish handling courses with BIM and a cookery class in Dublin. Then, I decided to try to find experience in a business that was seafood-orientated. I got a job working with Rick Stein, the well-known TV chef, at his restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall in England. This was a great learning experience.”

When Elaine returned to Dunmore, she put her newfound knowledge into practice. In 2018, she finally opened the doors of East Pier. Today, Elaine welcomes visitors from all over Ireland, along with the locals, who love to sit back and enjoy seafood while overlooking the bay.

“Everything we retail is local and we support many local

Sustaining seafood suppliers Carol Harrington, CEO of Shellfish Ireland, tells us how the company has grown over the years and how the EU’s Processing Investment Scheme has helped them add value

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riginally established in 1987, Shellfish Ireland (Shellfish de la Mer or SDLM) was started by three fishermen including friends Richard Murphy and Peter O’Sullivan, who worked together to catch and supply brown crab to local seafood buyers. Over the years, the business grew to become the leading supplier of sustainable shellfish – including crab, shrimp, lobster, and prawns – to the local and international market supply chains in Cork, employing up to 140 people in peak season.

Now owning a 24,000 sq ft. fully integrated, state-of-the-art, processing facility in Castetownbere, West Cork, the business has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the largest employers in the area.

“We do business with the foodservice sector throughout Munster, Galway and Dublin areas as well as wholesalers

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nationwide,” says Carol Harrington, CEO of Shellfish Ireland since 2016. “We pride ourselves on being the only company in Ireland with a fully specialised crab line, allowing us to use

East Pier suppliers,” says Elaine. “From the fishermen, all the way to the potato farmers.

“We aim to make eating seafood an enjoyable, simple experience, particularly for those who may not be used to consuming fish dishes. For example, instead of serving up a lobster that people may not know how to eat properly, we have lobster rolls and crab rolls.

“Our oysters are also a bestseller and we do the traditional fish and chips. People also like to stop by for a coffee or icecream and savour the views.”

East Pier has rejuvenated the tradition of fishing and fish eateries in Dunmore East, and Elaine has helped to create jobs across the village.

As a result, she even received the New Business of the Year Award from Waterford Chamber of Commerce.

“We were delighted to get the award,” says Elaine. “It’s great recognition. The first summer I opened, I had about 10 people working for me, and last summer, I had 20 staff.

“A lot of my staff are students, because business is seasonal.

But the thing about that is you’re teaching them how to work.

They’re learning all about food safety, time-keeping, and customer care. And, they’re brilliant, so enthusiastic and full of ideas. They’re a reason why our business is so successful.”

Elaine adds, “Starting a business can be a gamble, but we’re lucky that our idea took off. I have my family to thank for that, as well as the support of the EU FLAG funding. I learned from working in the family business, that everybody should get great customer care. No matter who they are.

“And I love it when people come to Dunmore East.

Everybody is here for a good time, it’s so picture-perfect, and I love to share that with them.”

all parts of the crab in our process promoting the circular economy.”

Carol says they applied for the EU’s Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme to drive the company forward.

Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Commission under the EMFF, Carol says gaining this investment helped to improve the flow and efficiency of their product through the factory.

“This has resulted in improved yields, quality, and efficiency.

It has also helped to reduce manual intervention within the high-risk processing area of the factory. These improvements will assist in our aim to increase automation and reduce costs going forward.

“This will also allow us to increase the throughput of products to secure the future of the business. This will allow us to remain competitive within our existing markets and access further markets.”

With funding from the Scheme, they set about an added value project to develop its existing and growing customer base in the retail channel.

It has given the company the opportunity to increase sales and efficiencies in production, thereby creating more jobs and increasing competitiveness.

“The investment has helped us bring the factory up to a BRC standard (BRC Global Standard for Food Safety), which has opened up new markets to us. With the increased efficiency,

we have been able to increase production volumes through the factory, resulting in increased sales.”

Bord Iascaigh Mhara estimated the total economic contribution of the seafood sector equated to €100.4 million in 2018 and supported over 1,450 jobs in addition to €6.5 million in tax revenue. And with 40pc of the Beara economy attributed to the seafood sector, the sector is incredibly important to the local area. Carol says this is why the investment scheme is invaluable to the industry.

“Fish processors are based in periphery locations and investments like this in a small rural area have a positive knock-on effect for the whole community. SDLM is the largest employer in the area and securing our future is important for the whole Beara Peninsula.

“I would highly recommend this scheme to other businesses.

I would recommend linking in with your BIM Business Development Manager (in our case Pat O’Leary) before and during the process for advice to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

Carol adds that they have even more ambitious plans for the future, “We also have plans for a further larger investment in the business, awaiting the next round of funding schemes to be announced. This investment will allow the company to grow further, support more fishermen, employ more people, and supply more products to a market with growing demand. It’s a positive story all around!”

Elaine Power (left)

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The bright cider of business Maurice Gilbert, founder of Ballyhoura Apple Farm, turned an accidental idea into a successful business in Limerick with support from Enterprise Ireland

European Regional Development Fund The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) aims to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU by correcting the imbalances between its regions. The ERDF is managed in Ireland by the Southern Regional Assembly and the Northern & Western Regional Assembly through two regional programmes, the Southern & Eastern, and the Border Midlands and Western.

During 2014-2020, the ERDF supported Irish regions with approximately €620 million for the Southern & Eastern region and €321 million for the Border, Midlands & Western region, complementing national efforts in key areas of research and innovation, small business supports, energy efficiency in housing, coronavirus supports and sustainable urban development.

A new round of ERDF supports will be rolled out across the Irish regions for 2021-27 with investments worth approximately €830 million in areas that will help to deliver a smarter, greener, more connected and more social Europe that is closer to its citizens. Again, the two Regional Assemblies will manage the ERDF regional programmes – this time called the Southern Eastern and Midlands, and the Northern & Western.

A Joe Bonner Link Road

For more information, visit southernassembly.ie and nwra.ie

Revitalising the community How the EU’s Sustainable Urban Development projects, funded by ERDF, are improving towns in Ireland for the benefit of all citizens

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hrough Sustainable Urban Development projects, the EU is helping regions across Ireland to grow sustainably and enhancing quality of life.

One such project that has made an impact on local life is the development of the Joe Bonner Link Road in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

Rob Connolly, Assistant Engineer of Road Design at Donegal County Council, says, “The Joe Bonner Link Road was constructed by Donegal County Council to support sustainable mobility initiatives. It does so by improving pedestrian and cycle access in the Letterkenny Town environs, while also enabling the development of amenities on lands located within the Letterkenny Town Centre boundary.

“The works involved upgrading 183m of the existing Joe Bonner Road section. This provides access to the Port Link Business Park, with a new 238m alignment section constructed to provide a link between the Neil T Blaney Road (R250) and the Port Road (R229).”

The works also allowed for two access roads to lands adjacent to the new link road alignment.

“Access Road 1 is located to the south east of the new road alignment and provides new access/egress to Letterkenny Public Services Centre and any future developments on the adjacent site. Access Road 2 is located to the west of the new road alignment and will provide access to development lands in this area.”

Rob explains the Joe Bonner Link Road, which was named after the late Joe Bonner, an entrepreneur who developed the Port Link Business Park, is an important strategic link in the Letterkenny Road Network, “The new road will help to address some of the traffic problems within Letterkenny. It also provides increased safety to pedestrians and cyclists through improved infrastructure, while enhancing pedestrian and cycling linkages between Port Rd and Neil T Blaney Road.”

The project was co-financed under the ERDF co-funded BMW Regional Operational Programme, managed by the Northern & Western Regional Assembly.

“The project funding allocation was €1.5million, with a commitment from Donegal County Council to match funds by 50pc,” says Rob. “The commitment from the ERDF was a catalyst in project progression to construction.

“This funding from the EU is vital, as it supports sustainable urban development through strategies that tackle the economic, environmental, climate, demographic, and social challenges affecting urban areas.”

Rob says the road has been very well received in the community, “It mutually serves a number of existing businesses who had previously reported issues with retaining access to their premises. The road serves to promote both future and current business in the locality, which is hoped to leverage additional private investment whilst enhancing social infrastructure of the town.

“It is perceived that the road will significantly reduce traffic congestion adjacent to the town centre. It will be widely used by pedestrians and cyclists, and on a strategic level, and will form a key link in the town centre and to works that are currently being progressed.”

Bringing the community together In Shannon, Co Clare, Shannon Town Park is another Sustainable Development Project catering for the community.

The park was co-financed under the ERDF’s Southern & Eastern Regional Programme 2014-20, which is managed by the Southern Regional Assembly.

Liam Conneally, Director of Service, Economic Development Shannon Town Park

Directorate at Clare County Council, says, “We identified that there was a significant deficit in terms of recreation for the residents of the town, in terms of a town park.

“While the Shannon Estuary was there and people were doing embankment walks, there was nothing in the town centre that would allow people to enjoy the amenities of that area. So, we set about putting in a town park, which cost €1.5 million in total.”

Liam says Shannon Town Park is a significant space for the town, “For us, it involved significant consultation with the people of Shannon and the elected members of the Shannon Districts. From that public consultation, we learned what the people of Shannon wanted in terms of the footpaths, cycling tracks, an adventure play area and a cycle pump track. The cycle pump track was the first-of-its-kind in the region.”

Liam adds that the park caters for all ages of the community and also includes picnic areas, lighting, signage, a natural water feature, new native woodland planting and a striking band stand in the centre.

“The park brings the community together. And the band stand is a focal point, having been used for festivals and performances by local and visiting artists and musicians. The overall response to the park has been very positive.

“We believe the park has brought a new lease of life to the town. We also believe that the location of the park, between the commercial town centre and the estuary, links and creates that green link between the different recreational areas – places for people who can enjoy the amenities of the town.”

Liam adds that the ERDF played a huge part in bringing Shannon Town Park to life.

“We can’t underestimate the value of the ERDF and the EU. Anybody looking at the development of Ireland will see the European logos on different national assets. For example, the motorway system or various public amenity areas of the country.

“The funding tackles regional disparities. Certainly, from an economic prosperity perspective, it has contributed handsomely to economic success in Ireland and I think the success that we have as a country today.”

Liam also praises the Shannon Municipal District for their input, “They insisted at all times that the integrity of the park be maintained, so they are really intent on protecting the park.

We set about doing a future masterplan and we’ve completed that for the commercial Town Centre. We have proposed some more residential development at the edges of the park.”

Liam adds, “The development of the new Shannon Town Park demonstrates the importance of the Council’s European funding opportunities, which aim to deliver key facilities for urban-based communities like Shannon. The new town park adds to the amenities of the town and contributes to Shannon’s revitalisation and regeneration.”

fter Maurice Gilbert found himself out of his job in construction in 2008, Ballyhoura Apple Farm (ballyhouraapplefarm.com) was born.

“The whole thing really started by accident!” says Maurice. “The construction industry collapsed, and I looked around for something to do. We had already planted an orchard on a site with a view of opening a visitor centre, but that never happened. So, I just used the apples to make juice and attended various farmers’ markets. And it all just developed from there.”

Maurice found he was quite inventive with the products, creating everything from mulled apple juice to an apple beetroot product. And of course, their most popular product, Irish Apple Cider Vinegar made from 100pc undiluted Irish apple juice, which undergoes a double fermentation process. This is now sold in 350 shops throughout Ireland.

By 2013, they had already won seven Great Taste awards and Blas na hÉireann awards, as well as becoming finalists in both Grow With Aldi and Kickstart with Lidl.

But it wasn’t until 2015, when they purchased a derelict site in ancient Kilfinane at the foothills of the Ballyhoura Mountains in southeast county Limerick and turned it into a vibrant business. Their orchard was replanted at the new site. Which, as Maurice says, is an incredible place to do business, “We always try to give back to our local community by buying locally. We also get our labels done locally, we get local transport and have events in the area.”

They have been developing their product range from their new site ever since. They received support from their local Ballyhoura Development Leader programme and help from Enterprise Ireland, in the form of an Innovation Voucher.

The Innovation Voucher, which was co-financed by the ERDF S&E Regional Programme, gives businesses €5,000 worth of time with an expert third level researcher. They help tease out an idea, develop a new product, Maurice Gilbert and Donagh Raftery or crack an important business or technical challenge.

“This helped us enormously with developing new products, testing them, and getting them into position to get them to market,” says Maurice. “We also received a grant for our in-house bottling. This has made an enormous difference to the business, as we were previously outsourcing the bottling. Now we can save on transport costs, it’s easier to store as we bottle it in-house, and it’s much more time-efficient.

“With the help of Teagasc, Moorepark and Enterprise Ireland, we are also developing a unique range of syrups and exotic vinegars for cocktails and the high-end catering industry.”

For anyone who wants to run a business, Maurice recommends speaking with Enterprise Ireland, as they are able to recognise potential.

“I am completing the Lean programme with them, where you have a professional consultant who looks at every aspect of the operation. They help you to slimline and be more efficient. It’s incredible what you can learn about your own business by doing this! They offer so much help in so many areas that you don’t even think about.”

The business has come a long way since it was an offhand idea back in 2008. But now since it has been a success, when Maurice looks ahead, he sees a bright future for the business.

“We are looking to create a tourist package at Ballyhoura Apple Farm. But our main focus is our Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, several other vinegars and syrups we are developing right now, and a potential export market. And I know we couldn’t do any of it without all our support and hard work.”

Bairbre Kennedy

Shaping a business

Bairbre Kennedy, owner of Lichen Ceramics, talks about how her dream of owning her own ceramics business was supported by her Local Enterprise Office

“W Cycle pump track at Shannon Town Park

hen I was a teenager, I realised I could become an artist or I could become an engineer like my brothers,” says Bairbre Kennedy. “But I found the best of both worlds with ceramics! You have to make sure a jug can pour, and that a mug has the right balance. I always say I’m a problem-solver who works in clay.”

Bairbre Kennedy was raised in Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim. After studying pottery with the Design & Craft Council of Ireland in Thomastown, Kilkenny, she then worked with Judy Greene Pottery in Galway. She also worked in London, England, where she helped design pottery with Kerry Hastings Ceramics.

Bairbre says exploring her home county always inspires her work. So too does her love for Irish folklore, which she says she gets from her father.

“I’m taking a photography course at the moment, which has made me look at the world in a totally different way in terms of colours and silhouettes. I make lots of mugs and tableware, but I also create figurines such as the púca, an Irish fairy creature, or quirky ceramic pumpkins for Halloween. I think they provide a little bit of joy in the world.”

But in 2016, Bairbre decided to follow her dream and love of ceramics and set up her own business, Lichen Ceramics.

However, she realised that while she knew everything she needed to know about ceramics, she was lost when it came to the business side of the operation. She contacted the Local Enterprise Office Leitrim (LEO), where she completed a Start Your Own Business course which enabled her to set up her company.

The Local Enterprise Office, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Government of Ireland, took Bairbre through setting up a business step-by-step.

“I learned so much from how to register my business name,

to how to register with Revenue to making sure I know exactly what I’m doing,” says Bairbre. “The support at the LEO is amazing and they are always at the end of a phone or an email if you have any issues. Even if the questions have obvious answers, they are happy to answer them and make you feel better.”

Since then, Bairbre has attended a number of other courses delivered by the LEO including innovation, marketing, and finance. Most recently, she attended the Trading Online Voucher Workshop and availed of the Voucher, which provides funding along with training and advice to help businesses trade online. Bairbre said this has been a great help in getting her website off the ground, which is important for boosting her online sales.

Bairbre’s pottery is now available to buy in the Leitrim Design House in Carrick-on-Shannon, the Quayside gallery in Westport, the Butterscotch gift café in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, and her website lichenceramics.ie.

She says she would recommend anyone thinking of setting up a business, expanding a business, or seeking any business advice through mentoring, to contact their Local Enterprise Office.

“Their help has been invaluable, and you get to meet people who are also starting a business at the same time, so you can look to each other for support. It’s also great that the help is local. It’s not just one person in Dublin trying to help everybody! You know that if you really need to meet with someone, they are right there in your community.”

Bairbre adds, “The Local Enterprise Office also really supports their own as they engage with the businesses they have already helped. The Office wanted a little brooch made for a gift bag they were making for women in business, and they came to me to create them which gave me much-needed promotion. I couldn’t praise them highly enough.”

SPONSORED

EUROPE DAY

A journey towards peace

Angila Chada, Executive Director of Springboard Opportunities Limited, talks about the hundreds of young people from disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland who experienced self-discovery and understanding on the Journeys programme

SPECIAL EU PROGRAMMES BODY (SEUPB) The SEUPB is a North/South Implementation Body, created as a result of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. It is responsible for the implementation of the cross-border PEACE IV and INTEREG VA Programmes, which have a combined value of over €0.5 billion.

PEACE IV is unique across Europe and has been specifically designed to support the on-going peace process and help to create a more cohesive society. The INTERREG VA Programme was created to help address some of the problems that are caused as a result of borders.

The SEUPB will also soon be launching the new €1.14 billion EU PEACEPLUS Programme, which will build upon the legacy of the existing programmes and support greater levels of peace and prosperity across the Island of Ireland. Get ready for the new Programme and for the first calls for applications by visiting the SEUPB website at seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS. A timetable of calls and project development support will be available on the website shortly!

Protecting marine species Ross McGill, Principal Project Officer for SeaMonitor at Loughs Agency, speaks about how SeaMonitor, a project funded by the EU INTERREG VA Programme, is aiming to address issues facing marine life in our oceans

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arine ecosystems are made up of webs of different organisms. From small particles and plants, all the way up to small species that are affected by larger predators,” says Ross McGill. “And it’s all interconnected. Marine life depends on the ecosystem to provide the right conditions for reproduction and survival.”

Ross believes, for this reason, it is important to measure how marine organisms move between habitats.

He says: “It’s not just about protecting one species, it’s about

“W

e recognise that young people come from many different backgrounds and circumstances,” says Angila, who has been Executive Director with Springboard Opportunities for 30 years. Springboard focuses on building peace, promoting mutual understanding, and empowering individuals. “That’s why the Journeys programme is so vital.”

Within the programme, Angila says they worked with 14 to 24 year-olds who are disadvantaged or marginalised, to build effective relationships with those of different backgrounds.

This helps them to make a positive contribution to building a better and more cohesive society.

The Journeys programme was supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme – Children and Young People strand, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

It is a cross-border collaborative project between Springboard Opportunities Ltd, Belfast, Roe Valley Residents’ Association, Limavady, and Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board. The young participants on the programme worked together on projects based on good relations, personal development, and citizenship.

The young people would work creatively through workshops, team building activities and social action projects, while developing respect for diversity, becoming empowered and equipped to find their path in life. The programme took place three-five days a week for six months.

“There is a legacy from the Troubles/Conflict which affects most communities in Northern Ireland. This programme set

trying to protect the environment that it lives in and moves in, so that it has a beneficial effect on everything. Take Atlantic salmon, for example. This species has cultural and historical significance in Irish folklore – the Salmon of Knowledge. It’s an iconic species, which has a commercial value too. But many Atlantic salmon populations have been severely diminished by habitat destruction and overfishing. This in turn, will have a knock-on effect on the rest of the ecosystem.”

SeaMonitor was developed to support the conservation of Atlantic salmon, along with other vulnerable marine species such as the basking shark, harbour seals, cetaceans and skate.

Led by Loughs Agency and with eight cross-border partners involved, this unique marine research project studies the seas around Ireland, Western Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The project, known as “Europe’s largest fish counter”, stretches from Malin Head in Ireland to the island of Islay in Scotland.

“The project uses large-scale acoustic telemetry technology to track and monitor a variety of marine mobile fauna,” says Ross. “This helps to fill our knowledge gaps currently missing in relation to where they go. Particularly when they’re out at sea for migratory or reproductive purposes. It’s the largest line of these receivers ever put out in European waters.”

SeaMonitor’s research will be used to protect these populations in the near future and for generations to come. €4.6 million in funding for the project has been provided by the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

“The project wouldn’t have happened without INTERREG VA European Union funding,” Ross explains. “EU funding also brings an element of cross-border participation and collaboration. Without that sort of funding, collaboration is difficult to achieve with institutions on a bilateral basis or

Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund The Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) has been running since 2014, with the aim to manage migration and promote the successful integration of third-country nationals

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MIF supports national and EU initiatives that promote the efficient management of migration flows.

It also supports the implementation, strengthening and development of a common Union approach to asylum, migration and integration.

Ireland was allocated €55.5 million under AMIF for the period 2014-2020. €34.4 million of this is funding to provide a grant per person resettled or relocated to Ireland under an EU or UN programme. This €34.4 million contributes to covering the expense of operating the resettlement/ relocation programme such as the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre accommodation, which, for example, costs approximately €6 million per year.

The current AMIF programme was originally scheduled to end in June 2023. However, it has been extended by one year to allow Member States the ability to provide support to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

In Ireland, the AMIF fund is managed by the Funds Administration Unit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This unit oversees the distribution of AMIF funds in a number of ways in order to help Ireland meet its objectives under the national programme.

It has: • Run ‘Calls for Proposals’ in 2016 and 2019, whereby organisations can apply for funding for their project to provide supports for migrants. 39 projects across Ireland have received total grant funding of €9 million.

• Provided €3.9 million funding to Irish Refugee Protection Programme to run selection missions to Lebanon/Jordan to identify suitable refugees to travel to Ireland.

• Provided funding of circa €990k to the HSE to operate a mobile health-screening service for people in Direct Provision, in conjunction with Safetynet Primary Care.

• €5.65 million has been budgeted for the return of thirdcountry nationals to their country of origin.

• €200k has been budgeted for research into the Irish resettlement programme focusing on the eventual outcome for persons admitted since 2000.

The 39 projects approved for funding under the 2016 and 2019 Calls for Proposals include a wide variety of projects providing a range of supports for migrants across Ireland. For example, the Yellow Flag projects run by the Irish Traveller Movement to provide structured inclusivity training to schools.

Spirasi provides psychosocial supports to migrants who are victims of torture.

And various other organisations provide a range of supports including homework clubs and drop-in centres throughout Ireland. AMIF funding for these projects consists of 75pc of their eligible expenditure. Grantees need to source the remaining 25pc themselves.

In addition to the projects approved under the AMIF ‘Calls for Proposals’, Funds Administration Unit has worked with Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP, which is the national body designated to manage the Resettlement and Relocation programme for Ireland). They help to channel funding for Local Authorities around the country to provide housing and integration supports to aid in the resettlement of refugees in that Local Authority.

The objective of these awards is to provide direct supports to refugee families for up to 12/18 months following

Clare Immigrant Support Centre (CISC) International Refugee Day, June 2021

out to bring together people from both sides of the border to create a more forward-thinking and inclusive society.”

Angila says they developed the programme based on the interests and needs of the young people in the groups over the four years of its duration. When the programme ended in December 2021, 850 young people had successfully completed it.

But when lockdown came, they had to reconfigure the delivery from face-to-face to fully online and blended learning.

Angila says, “Our first responsibility was to make sure that we had a connection with the young people involved.

Whether it was virtual, in-person or over the phone, because of the sense of isolation that they were going to face due to the lockdown. But we managed to look after and support our young participants through to the next steps of their journey.

“We found that 100pc of those who completed the programme would recommend the training to other young people. 95pc said it had a major positive impact on their lives and 70pc went into employment after completing it. We even have a number of former participants who have become staff members too, so the programme really seems to work in bringing a positive change.”

Many participants have progressed into employment, volunteering, further training, or university. One young person who participated in the programme said Journeys has provided opportunities that surprised him.

“The programme has created new experiences for me, which I didn’t think I’d like at the start,” he said. “Journeys has

Angila Chada opened up new ideas for me, which I will hopefully continue to explore.”

Angila says they couldn’t have done any of this without the support of the PEACE IV funding.

“It has been one of the best funding programmes in terms of the way it was managed, as well as the content, and the framework. Having that funding for these programmes has made a massive impact on young people taking part.

They have to face challenges on the streets in Belfast, face unemployment, mental health issues, as well as that legacy of the Troubles/Conflict. It’s an ongoing process, but these types of programmes are what is needed for change on a deeper and more sustainable level.”

The SEUPB will soon also be launching the new €1.14 billion EU PEACEPLUS Programme, which will build upon the legacy of the existing PEACE IV Programme and support greater levels of peace and prosperity across the Island of Ireland.

For more information, go to seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS.

SeaMonitor team unilateral basis. So, it really gets the ball rolling with these collaborations.

“Part of the success is also down to the humans behind the project. The scientists, managers and policymakers that are passionate and want to know what the implications are. Having the right consortium and the right diversity of teams come together makes a successful project.”

Ross adds, “The support of the EU brings people together for common causes like the environment – to better the environment and advance research and science.”

SeaMonitor’s findings are due to be published in 2023, while Ross explains that the project is “working with the policymakers and environmental agencies in Ireland and Northern Ireland to create management plans that show how best to protect these vulnerable marine species”.

He says, “Looking to the future, we’re hoping to continue to

A just transition to climate neutrality The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a new fund under the European Union’s cohesion policy 2021-2027. The funding programme will support European regions most affected by the transition to climate neutrality

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t aims to address social, employment, economic and environmental impacts of the shift away from carbon-intense activities. In Ireland, the territory to be supported by the EU Just Transition Fund will focus on the wider Midlands region, where there have been direct impacts from the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat. The EU JTF will complement the other EU cohesion policy funds that aim to decrease regional disparities.

Ireland has an allocation of up to €84.5 million, which will be complemented by funding from the Government of Ireland. The EU JTF is one of three pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism, which also includes a public sector loan facility through the European Investment Bank and a dedicated scheme under the InvestEU programme for private investments.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and

tag even more species. The value of the data that we get out of this research is massive. But only if this research continues to be carried out and there are no gaps in the data. Translating the evidence will mean future generations can better understand how to manage and protect our marine life.”

Communications (DECC), together with the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), as Managing Authority for the EU JTF, are currently collaborating to develop the Territorial Just Transition Plan and programme for Ireland.

The EU Just Transition Fund may be used to support economic diversification and transitioning of the target territory; training, upskilling and reskilling workers affected by the exit from peat; climate transition and environmental sustainability; local and smart mobility; and activities in education and social inclusion.

Consultation process DECC and EMRA developed a draft Territorial Just Transition Plan setting out how the EU JTF will be used to invest in the wider Midlands region. This draft Plan proposes to focus the EU JTF activities on four main development needs: • Modernise the business environment and create employment opportunities • Enhance the skills profile • Promoting environmental sustainability and industrial heritage • Enhancing potential of region as a place to live and work A public consultation was launched to get the public’s view on the draft Plan. The consultation period ran from December 2021 to March 2022 and comprised online surveys, written submissions, and workshops, including one workshop dedicated to hearing the perspectives from young people. A broad range of contributions from individuals, private and public sectors, social enterprises and civil society were received.

Among the outcomes of consultation process, it was highlighted that the EU JTF is urgently needed to support the economic transition and that the four development needs outlined in the draft Plan are strong and synergistic. A report on the public consultation can be found here: gov.ie/ en/consultation/352c3-public-consultation-on-the-eu-justtransition-fund/.

Next steps On the basis of this consultation, DECC and EMRA are working to finalise the programme and plan for the EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland. Activity under the programme will begin following its approval by the European Commission, expected towards the end of the year.

For more information, visit the EU Funds website at eufunds.ie/home/our-funds/just-transition-fund

CISC Ukrainian Vigil resettlement. These supports are provided via dedicated staff, funded by AMIF, who are the go-to points of contact for the newly resettled families and will assist them with access to a range of services, including housing, health, education, interpretation, and transport. These individuals work to foster social networks for both adults and children in their local communities.

The EU has now launched the new 2021-2027 AMIF Programme with a total budget of €9.88 billion. The European Commission is completing the preparation of Ireland’s National Programme for this new phase of AMIF. When this programme has been completed and approved, Ireland’s share of the total fund will be made available.

For more information, visit ec.europa.eu

For more information and stories, visit the EU funds website eufunds.ie