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Southern & Eastern Regional Programme 2007-2013

The main objective of the Programme is to contribute to increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the region, to support sustainable development and to help improve quality of life of the citizens of the region. This will be achieved in a variety of ways through investment in innovation & the knowledge economy; schemes for protecting the environment, renewable energy programmes, the rollout of broadband to rural areas and supports for city regeneration & town renewal.

It highlights three specific areas of investment, each with three separate themes:

(Follow the links for contact details on the organisations/agencies charged with delivering the grant aided programmes)

 1) Innovation & the Knowledge Economy

Particular attention is given to enhancing the region’s Research, Technological Development & Innovation capacity by optimising our Higher Education Institutions’ (HEI) research facilities and developing greater connection between Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the research community. Support for micro-enterprises in the form of grants and training, continues under the programme. The beneficiaries of EU co-funded assistance under this priority will include HEIs, SMEs and microenterprises.

2) Environment & Accessibility

The objective of the priority is to support the development and use of alternative/renewable energy sources and to improve the quality of the environment of the region by rolling out wastewater treatment and water source protection schemes. Stimulating demand for broadband and increasing its availability in the more rural parts of the region are essential components of the priority. Intended beneficiaries include local authorities, commercial, community & public bodies, HEIs & research institutes and SMEs.

3) Sustainable Urban Development

  • Theme 1: Gateway Challenge Fund
  • Theme 2: Hub Challenge Fund
  • Theme 3: Inter-Gateway Co-operation Fund

In line with sustainable development principles, the focus here is on improvements in the public realm and investment in sustainable transport schemes to enhance the quality of life of residents and to continue to attract investment to urban centres. The Gateway & Hub Fund provide assistance to projects that aim to develop the economic, environmental, social and cultural fabric of the main urban centres in the region. Beneficiaries of this priority will include local authorities, public transport providers and community and voluntary groups.

Further Information

Please click on the links above to the Southern & Eastern Regional Programme documents for more detailed description and information.