Ireland / Wales INTERREG 111A Programme

What is INTERREG 111A?

INTERREG 111A is a Community Initiative supporting joint Irish/Welsh projects. It aims to promote the sustainable development of the cross-border region through an integrated approach to economic, social and environmental development.

Which areas are covered by the Programme?

Wales : Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire and Ynys Mon.

Ireland : Dublin , Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary , Waterford and Wexford

What are the priorities for the Programme?

Priority 1: To encourage the economic, social and technological development of the cross border area

• Measure 1: Business and Enterprise development
• Measure 2: Rural Development and diversification
• Measure 3: Education, training and human resources development
• Measure 4: Communications in technology and transport

Priority 2: To achieve sustainable growth by enhancing the overall quality of the cross-border area

• Measure 1: Marine and Coastal development and the environment
• Measure 2: Culture, heritage and tourism

A third priority provides for technical assistance to deliver the programme and support applicants.

Local support is available from Rhian Llewelyn at the West Wales European Centre, Dewi Buildings, Trinity College, Carmarthen SA31 3EP Tel: 01267 224814 E-mail: rllewelyn@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

What are the cross-cutting themes?

All projects need to address 3 cross-cutting themes:

1. promotion of equal opportunities
2. environmental sustainability
3. development of the Information Society

What about funding?

Between 2002-2006 a total budget of £40m is available (£29m ERDF grants, the remainder in match funding).

Payments on projects can continue until the end of 2008.

The maximum rate of grant will generally be 75% of the total eligible cost.

Voluntary and not-for-profit sectors can claim quarterly in advance.

Payment, which is made to the lead partner, can take up to 6 weeks from submission of the claim forms.

Thinking of applying?

There are 2 deadlines in 2004 - end of June and end of December.

Almost 70% of the budget is already committed to current or proposed projects.

Applications must be submitted jointly.

There must be at least one Irish and one Welsh partner; one of which must be the lead partner.

Help is available to find partners and the Wales - Ireland Networking scheme (WIN), will partly fund travel and subsistence costs incurred by applicants trying to find or form potential INTERREG 111A partnerships.

Want more information?

For more detailed information and an overview of approved projects, go to the INTERREG pages of the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) website: www.wefo.wales.gov.uk

Contact Rhian Llewelyn at West Wales European Centre Tel: 01267 224814 E-mail: rllewelyn@carmarthenshire.gov.uk