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FAQ’s

Questions Frequently Asked About the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly

What is the Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly?

The Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly was established by the Government on 21st July, 1999 and consists of 41 elected members from the constituent local authorities, within the Southern & Eastern Region.

What is the Southern & Eastern Region?

The Southern & Eastern Region consists of the following counties within the 5 Regional Authority areas: Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown, Fingal, South Dublin (Dublin Region); Carlow, Tipperary S.R., Waterford City and County, Wexford, Kilkenny (South-East Region); Cork City and County, Kerry (South-West Region); Clare, Limerick City and County, Tipperary N.R. (Mid-West Region); Kildare, Meath, Wicklow (Mid-East Region).

What is the role of the Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly?

The Role of the Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly is to
  • Oversee the Southern & Eastern Regional Operational Programme.
  • Monitor the impact of all EU & exchequer funded programmes within the Southern & Eastern Region
  • Promote the co-ordination of public services within the Region

What are Structural Funds?

Structural Funds consist of 2 European Funds: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) The ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) is invested to help reinforce economic and social cohesion by redressing regional imbalances. This is achieved by supporting the development and structural adjustment of regional economies, including the conversion of declining industrial regions. The European Social Fund (ESF) European Social Fund (ESF) funded Programmes are designed to help prevent and fight unemployment and to prevent people losing touch with the labour market. The current round of EU Structural Funds will run from 2007 to 2013. Over this seven year period Ireland will receive more than €375 million in assistance from the European Social Fund. With match funding, this amount rises to almost €1.36 billion of direct Structural Fund support to activity in the area of employment and human resources development.

What is the European Fisheries Fund (EFF)?

The main objective of the EFF - is to grant financial support to the European fishing industry, during the period 2007-2013, with a view to help it adapt to the evolving needs.

What is the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development - EAFRD (Cap Funding)

The Fund contributes to improving: The competitiveness of agriculture and forestry; The environment and the countryside; The quality of life and the management of economic activity in rural areas The Fund complements national, regional and local actions, which contribute to Community priorities. The Commission and the Member States are also to ensure that the Fund is consistent and compatible with other Community support measures

What is an Operational Programme?

The Operational Programme is a document which sets out the approved investment programme for the Region which is to be co-funded by the EU. It includes investment priorities; targets and impacts, details of priorities and a summary description of themes, implementation arrangements and an overall financing plan.

What is an Implementation Plan?

The Implementation Plan is the document which sets out the detailed elements for each of the themes/subthemes. It includes the objectives for each theme, implementation arrangements, selection criteria, financial management and evidence of compliance with relevant policies and regulations.

Does the Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly provide direct funding?

Generally no Funding is available for the Southern & Eastern Regional Operational Programme through the various Intermediate Bodies/Agencies which are detailed in the Implementation Plan. However, the Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly awarded ERDF grants of €11 million to the Gateway cities of Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford to co-finance a variety of projects from public realm improvements to green transport routes, from arts centres to tourist visitor attractions. This funding was provided under the ERDF Gateways Scheme which is managed directly by the Assembly. The Regional Assembly is the Managing Authority for the Ireland-Wales Territorial Co-operation Programme.

How much funding is available under the Southern & Eastern Regional Programme?

The total programme funding is €680 million. This comprises of €221 million of exchequer match funding and €146 million of ERDF funding and the balance of the non cofunded investment under the programme is provided from the Irish exchequer. The funding streams for the Regional Programme are the EU Structural Funds (ERDF), National Exchequer and Local Authority funding.

Where do I get more information?

Contact info@seregassembly.ie or Telephone 051 - 860700