en dbrennan@seregassembly.ie Copyright 2013 2013-06-12T06:37:14+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/north_west_europe_funded_tesla_project_showcased_at_eu_innovation_conferenc http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/north_west_europe_funded_tesla_project_showcased_at_eu_innovation_conferenc#When:06:37:14Z BMW TESLA Project showcased at EU Innovation Conference A high level EU Innovation conference attended by over 300 delegates in Cork on the 7th June heard how Interreg funding is being used to support the export development and Internationalisation plans of small firms across Europe. BMW TESLA Project showcased at EU Innovation Conference A high level EU Innovation conference attended by over 300 delegates in Cork on the 7th June heard how Interreg funding is being used to support the export development and Internationalisation plans of small firms across Europe. Kieran Moylan, Assistant Director of the BMW Regional Assembly gave an overview presentation of the TESLA project and the constituent pilot initiatives which are currently being delivered in the partner regions in Germany, Ireland, Wales, Belgium, the Netherlands and France. TESLA is a €3.8m three year transnational Project part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg North West Europe Programme. Speaking at the event Mr. Moylan added that "The TESLA project will have a positive impact at very local level in the partner regions. Early stage technology based firms both within and outside the campus business environment are benefitting  from practical joint transnational schemes aimed at providing key information on accessing new markets in Europe, accessing new finance opportunities and developing new products. In recent weeks, he added, companies in the BMW region and south-west region of Ireland accessed key market intelligence on German market entry with the help of an Internationalisation expert from Germany.  These continued supports to small firms will help them gain a competitive advantage in the market place and at a broader EU level - help to raise levels of innovation in Europe" Mr. Moylan also delivered an overview of an Audit of Innovation and Knowledge Intensive Services which was conducted in the BMW Region in 2011 as part of the EU Atlantkis project. This report will help to identify innovation priorities for the region and shape Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy for the 2014 - 2020 Funding period. The EU Week of Innovating Regions (WIRE) Conference is an annual event hosted by the European Commission. The 2013 conference was held in University College Cork on June 6th and 7th as part of the Irish Presidency of the EU. The Conference was opened by EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan - Quinn who also visited the TESLA Project exhibition at the Conference.   2013-06-12T06:37:14+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/eu_news_bulletin_from_the_irish_regions_brussels_office_may_2013_issue http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/eu_news_bulletin_from_the_irish_regions_brussels_office_may_2013_issue#When:07:08:09Z The May issue of the EU News Bulletin from the Irish Regions Brussels Office is available covering matters specifically of relevance to Ireland's local and regional levels. In terms of available funding opportunities from the Commission, you’ll find detailed analysis of current calls for proposals relating to: Eco-Innovation Web SMEs and ICT developers Sustainable thematic tourism Cultural and industrial heritage tourism Drug Prevention Youth Workers’ Mobility Youth Partnerships As well as a set of partner searches to get involved in EU funding, there are also pieces on a recently concluded Intelligent Energy Europe project involving the Mid-West Region Authority; Galway County Council’s artistic exhibition in Brussels; and how a pair of Irish tech start-ups have been recognised by the Commission as among Europe’s most promising. This month’s news and policy developments articles deal with: The emerging shape of the Horizon 2020 programme - 12 Focus Areas revealed EU Green Infrastructure Strategy Regional Aid Guidelines: flexibility on large firms and more coverage for Ireland New Irish figures for Youth Employment Initiative Local/Regional reflections on ‘a Resource Efficient Europe’ (Europe 2020) Gateways & Hubs Development Index (GHDI) reports on Ireland’s main urban centres socio-economic performance Understanding the ‘Smart Cities & Communities’ concept Atlantic Action Plan launched EU Budget Update Commission signals shale gas rules on horizon Finally there are details on some relevant upcoming events, at home and abroad, on: ‘The Contribution of Cohesion and Urban Policy to Economic Recovery’ (19 June, RHK, Dublin) SMEs and EU innovation Urban Mobility Package EU Sustainable Energy Week Sustainable energy financing ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’ Queries, feedback and suggestions for the future are welcomed by the IRO. Click here to download the May issue.     2013-06-05T07:08:09+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/contribution_of_cohesion_and_urban_policy_to_economic_recovery http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/contribution_of_cohesion_and_urban_policy_to_economic_recovery#When:18:01:34Z CONFERENCE THEME: “Contribution of Cohesion and Urban Policy to Economic Recovery”   Wednesday June 19th 2013 in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham “Contribution of Cohesion and Urban Policy to Economic Recovery” The keynote speaker: Mr. Brendan Howlin, T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Other speakers include: Cllr. Dermot Lacey, Cathaoirleach, Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly; Cllr. Frank Dolan, Cathaoirleach, Border Midland & Western Regional Assembly; Mr. Jonathan Taylor, Vice President, European Investment Bank; Ms. Charlina Vitcheva,  Director, D.G. Regio, European Commission; Dr. James Browne, President, National University of Ireland, Galway; Mr. Reg McCabe, Head of Regional Policy, IBEC; Mr. Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Committee of the Regions; Mr. Tim Lucey, Cork City Manager and Mr. Stephen Blair,  Director, Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly. This Conference is a major information activity as part of the Regional Assemblies’ obligations to promote the Regional Operational Programmes 2007-2013 Click here for conference brochure, and click here to download a booking form. No Conference fee applies. The conference is highlighted on the Irish EU Presidency website eu2013.ie. For updates on the conference follow the event on Twitter #regionalassemblies and visit our Facebook page. ENQUIRIES Karen Coughlan S&E Regional Assembly Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford Tel:  + 353 (0) 51 860700    Fax: + 353 (0) 51 879887 Email: kcoughlan@seregassembly.ie Location   View Larger Map     2013-05-08T18:01:34+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/consultation_on_preparation_of_a_new_southern_eastern_regional_operational http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/consultation_on_preparation_of_a_new_southern_eastern_regional_operational#When:13:46:44Z Invitation to make Submissions on the proposed Southern & Eastern Regional Operational Programme 2014 – 2020. Invitation to make Submissions on the proposed Southern & Eastern Regional Operational Programme 2014 – 2020 The cohesion policy (or regional policy) of the European Union provides a framework for financing a wide range of projects and investments with the aim of encouraging economic growth in EU Member States and their regions.  The policy is reviewed by the EU institutions once every seven years.  The next round of programmes is to cover the period 2014 - 2020. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has commenced its preparations for Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programmes for the period 2014 to 2020.  The Programmes will be co-financed by the European Union and the enabling legislation is currently under discussion at EU level.  Each Member State is required to prepare a Partnership Agreement outlining funding priorities for the 2014 – 2020 period.  As part of its preparations, the Department has undertaken a preliminary consultation process on this Partnership Agreement and submissions were invited from interested parties on this document which will be drafted over the coming months. Under the Partnership Agreement, each of the European Structural & Investment Funds will have their own Operational Programmes. In the case of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), this funding is to be delivered through two Regional Programmes, one for the Border Midland & West Region, and one for the Southern & Eastern Region. The two Regional Assemblies are the designated Managing Authorities for their respective Regional Programmes. The Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly as Managing Authority is launching a consultation process on the S&E Regional Operational Programme 2014-20 and submissions are invited from interested parties on both the proposed content, structure of the Operational Programme, together with proposed implementation arrangements. Further details on the consultation process are available for download here.   How to respond Taking due consideration of the draft regulations, the views presented during this consultation exercise will inform the preparation of the Operational Programme.  A further consultation will then be carried out which will give interested parties the opportunity to comment on the draft Programme when it has been prepared.  This second consultation is likely to be held later in 2013. Submissions marked “S&E Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020 Consultation” in the Subject Line (with attachments not exceeding 10 pages in length) should be sent by email to info@seregassembly.ie .  Alternatively, you may post your response to Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford. When you respond, you should state clearly in your response which organisation you represent and to which heading(s) in the Operational Programme the response relates.  The consultation period will run from 29th April and responses must be received by email or post no later than Friday 24th May 2013.   2013-04-29T13:46:44+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/eu_news_bulletin_from_the_irish_regions_brussels_office_march_2013_issue http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/eu_news_bulletin_from_the_irish_regions_brussels_office_march_2013_issue#When:11:13:13Z The March issue of the EU News Bulletin from the Irish Regions Brussels Office – covering matters specifically of relevance to Ireland’s local and regional levels. This month the Irish Government’s Public Consultation on the shape of the ‘shared management’ EU funding programmes for this country over the 2014-2020 period (12 April deadline for feedback and input) is highlighted.   The March 2013 issue of the EU News Bulletin from the Irish Regions Brussels Office – covering matters specifically of relevance to Ireland's local and regional levels. This month the Irish Government’s Public Consultation on the shape of the ‘shared management’ EU funding programmes for this country over the 2014-2020 period (12 April deadline for feedback and input) is highlighted.   In terms of more immediately available funding, detailed analysis is provided of current calls for proposals and opportunities relating to: Youth & Youthwork information Sustainable Industry Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions Emerging Industries  and Entrepreneurship for Regional Development Green freight transport Small-scale Sustainable Urban Mobility Campaigns There is also a list of current partner search offers by which you may be able to access EU funding.   This month’s articles on news and policy developments are: 2014 Local Elections brought forward by European elections Court of Justice prioritises strictly environmental factors in impact assessment Dublin showcases its ‘smart city’ credentials in Brussels Smart Cities Innovation Partnership approved Broadband roll-out: Commission proposes cheaper and simpler approaches Irish Walled Towns Network wins cultural heritage award Draft Directive on sustainable management of marine and coastal areas Atlantic City of the Year Ireland’s recycling progress and national waste management roadmaps                                                                     European Litter prevention network   Finally there are details on some relevant upcoming events on : Europe 2020, Regional Innovation Strategies and future funding Green and socially responsible cities Local Digital Governance Coastal & maritime tourism The news bulletin is available to download here. 2013-04-04T11:13:13+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/the_fins_freshwater_invasives_networking_for_strategy_conference http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/the_fins_freshwater_invasives_networking_for_strategy_conference#When:16:40:23Z The FINS (Freshwater Invasives - Networking for Strategy) Conference will be held in Galway from the 9th to 11th April 2013. The prime objective of the conference is to provide a forum where national and international invasive species experts and policy makers can meet, listen to invited experts from around the globe and contribute to well subscribed workshop sessions. The outcomes from the workshop sessions will be presented in an FAO publication and will be used to inform the development of EU policy and pending EU legislation in respect of invasive species. FINS (Freshwater Invasives - Networking for Strategy) Conference The FINS (Freshwater Invasives - Networking for Strategy) Conference will be held in Galway from the 9th to 11th April 2013. The prime objective of the conference is to provide a forum where national and international invasive species experts and policy makers can meet, listen to invited experts from around the globe and contribute to well subscribed workshop sessions. The outcomes from the workshop sessions will be presented in an FAO publication and will be used to inform the development of EU policy and pending EU legislation in respect of invasive species. This conference may be of interest to parties that are building up project consortia or drawing up project proposals within the region.  To date  there are representatives committed to attend from 17 countries, including Dr Pavel Poc MEP who is chairing a group in the EU parliament addressing the issue of invasive species. In addition, there will be significant representation from various state agency and semi-state bodies (e.g. EPA, ESB, Marine Institute, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Public Works, BIM, Teagasc and Waterways Ireland), consultants and leading scientific experts. For further information, please visit www.finsconference.ie. 2013-03-20T16:40:23+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/egfsn_vacancy_overview_2012_published http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/egfsn_vacancy_overview_2012_published#When:12:42:56Z The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has published its third Vacancy Overview report, which outlines the areas where job vacancies arose during 2012.  Through an analysis of almost 100,000 vacancies, the Vacancy Overview shows that demand continues to exist for most occupations with a strong demand for those with work experience, third level qualifications and/or foreign language skills. Produced by the Skills and Labour Market Unit in FÁS on behalf of the EGFSN, the Vacancy Overview 2012 findings draw on a number of data sources held in the National Skills Database to provide an overview and analysis of the demand for labour as measured by trends in newly advertised job vacancies through both a public and private source: DSP/FÁS Jobs Ireland and IrishJobs.ie. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has published its third Vacancy Overview report, which outlines the areas where job vacancies arose during 2012.  The Vacancy Overview 2012 is the third in a series of annual reports, produced by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit of FAS on behalf of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which outlines the areas where job vacancies arose during 2012. Through an analysis of almost 100,000 vacancies (from two sources – DSP/FÁS Jobs Ireland and IrishJobs.ie), the Vacancy Overview shows that demand continues to exist for most occupations with a strong demand for those with work experience, third level qualifications and/or foreign language skills. Key Findings While the number of vacancies advertised through the Department of Social Protection (DSP)/FÁS Jobs Ireland in 2012 remained steady when compared to 2011, IrishJobs.ie saw a slow but steady rise over the year Employment contracted between 2011 and 2012 (based on Quarter 3, CSO data) for all occupations except for managers, professionals and associate professionals; given that there was little expansion demand this suggests that most of the vacancies arising were due to turnover and/or replacement An analysis of the Central Statistics Office’s (CSO) questions in their Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) relating to job search methods for those unemployed revealed that the incidence of contacting either a private or public employment agency varied depending on the sector the person was previously employed in, age and duration unemployed; those previously employed in all occupational groups excluding professionals were more likely to contact a public rather than a private employment agency In 2012, the IT sector accounted for over 20% of all vacancies advertised through IrishJobs.ie; the sales sector and science, pharmaceutical and food sector each accounted for a further 9% In 2012, DSP/FÁS Jobs Ireland vacancies were primarily in associate professional, elementary and personal service occupations. The occupations which appeared most frequently were: Care workers and home carers (accounting for 10% of all DSP/FÁS Jobs Ireland vacancies in 2012) Business sales executives (e.g. sales representatives/agents; 8% of vacancies) Kitchen and catering assistants (5% of vacancies) Chefs (5% of vacancies) Collector salespersons and credit agents (e.g. field/door to door sales agents; 5% of vacancies) IrishJobs.ie vacancies in 2012 were focused in the areas of professionals and associate professionals (these accounted for 45% of all IrishJobs.ie vacancies in 2012). When examined by occupation title the following appeared most frequently: Programmers and software development professionals (accounting for 6% of all IrishJobs.ie vacancies in 2012) Sales accounts and business development managers (5% of vacancies) Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks (3% of vacancies) Business sales executives (3% of vacancies) Business and related associate professionals (e.g. data analysts, QA/compliance administrators, logistics analysts; 3% of vacancies) Language skills are still in demand; this is particularly the case for associate professional positions. German was the most frequently mentioned language required, followed by French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch. Vacancies for professional occupations were by far the most likely to require a third level degree qualification and also in the main required 2-6 years’ experience. In contrast, managerial vacancies had the highest share that had no minimum education requirements but also over a quarter of managerial vacancies (advertised through IrishJobs.ie) required at least 6 years’ experience Employment permits provide an indication of which vacancies are difficult to fill within the Irish labour market and the European Economic Area (EEA). The number of permits issued to persons in the IT sector continues to grow, accounting for 46% of all new permits issued in 2012. In terms of occupations, professionals accounted for almost 60% of all new permits and of these the majority were for IT roles The Recruitment Agency Survey conducted by the SLMRU in October 2012 points towards an increase in the aggregate number of mentions of vacancies which have been difficult to fill compared to both six months and a year ago; the highest share of mentions of difficult to fill vacancies was for professional posts (in IT, engineering, science, health and business) as well as multilingual sales and customer care roles. Despite significant job losses occurring since the recession began, job announcementscontinued, particularly for IT professionals and sales related occupations. Expansion demand was also confirmed through job announcements by IDA client companies in 2012, most pronounced for the IT sector followed by the medical devices and pharmaceutical sectors. The Vacancy Overview 2012 is available for download here.   2013-02-26T12:42:56+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/investing_in_our_future_good_examples_of_eu_funded_projects http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/investing_in_our_future_good_examples_of_eu_funded_projects#When:11:30:06Z The European Union budget is relatively small (around 1% of EU GDP), but it can make a big difference. Around 94% of the EU budget supports researchers, businesses, farmers, regions, young people and lots more. People are often unaware of EU projects on the ground and what they do. But look below and you will see some examples of how EU money is supporting great projects. First and foremost, you can see some projects which are taking place right here at home in Ireland. Further down you can check out some important things EU funds are spent on around Europe. From cancer research to making our cities better places to live, from supporting local farmers to giving the unemployed a chance to re-train – the interactive links will give you more details on each one. Some examples of Irish led research projects are the following: A Limerick based SME is leading a project which aims to save 1 500 trillion litres water annually, EU-funded researchers developed a smart irrigation system – Funding: EUR 2.23 million. WATERBEE A Cork based company leads an EU-funded research team developing biofuel made of algae to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – Funding: EUR 1.43 million. MABFUEL   National University of Ireland, Galway led research project is helping scientists assess human impact on cold water corals and fish in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean – Funding: EUR 6.5 million.  CORALFISH   A Dublin based company is leading an EU funded project on the development of drugs for patients after organ transplantation - Funding: EUR 6 million. MABSOT University College Dublin is leading a project examining whether our knowledge of genetics and individual health markers could help us to design healthier, personalised diets – Funding: EUR 9 million. FOOD4ME   University of Limerick is leading an ambitious EU-funded project working on new tools to identify the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease much earlier, and to help researchers develop new treatments for cancer – Funding: EUR 4 million.  LANIR   An SME based in Co. Kildare is leading a project to source reliable, clean, renewable energy in the form of wave power – Funding: EUR 5 million.  STANDPOINT   A team of researchers in Waterford Institute of Technology are studying the role of eye nutrition for vision and prevention of blindness – Funding: EUR 1.5 million CREST   For information on more EU co-funded projects in Ireland please click here.   2013-02-26T11:30:06+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/howlin_welcomes_agreement_on_eu_cohesion_budget1 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/howlin_welcomes_agreement_on_eu_cohesion_budget1#When:12:44:22Z Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, today (8 February 2013) welcomed the agreement reached by the European Council on the EU’s Budget for 2014-2020, which will see Ireland’s Structural Funds increase under the next funding round. Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, today (8 February 2013) welcomed the agreement reached by the European Council on the EU’s Budget for 2014-2020, which will see Ireland’s Structural Funds increase under the next funding round.  The Irish experience of Cohesion policy has been very positive and Structural and Cohesion funds have played an important role in the development of Ireland’s economy over then years. While the precise details in relation to Ireland’s allocation have still to be worked out, I am pleased that the funding level will increase over that for the current period.  Against the background of an overall cut in the EU Budget, this is a considerable achievement and is due to the consistent efforts of the Government to maximize support from Europe for our Structural Funds programmes. The European Council has today decided that the budget for Cohesion Funding will be around €325 billion for the 2014-2020 round.  Given that the overall Budget is facing cuts, this represents a considerable investment programme and will ensure that Cohesion policy remains a significant contributor to ensuring that Europe retains its position as amajor player in the world’s economy. Cohesion Policy is a key driver of the growth and jobs agenda which is the focus of our Presidency.  It is the one of the primary instruments available to the Union to drive investment and to promote growth and jobs across Europe in the years ahead. The Minister welcomed the special allocation for the Border, Midlands and Western Region.  The hard work that the Taoiseach and I have undertaken in articulating and advocating a special provision for the BMW region due to the significant economic downturn it has experienced has been rewarded with a special provision of €100m for the region. The region no longer qualifies as a transition region as its GDP per capita exceeds 90% of the EU average and so it is facing a reduction in its allocation.  The challenges it faces have been recognized by the Council, however, with this special allocation. The Minister said he was also pleased that the Southern & Eastern Region would receive an increase on its 2007-13 allocation, albeit as a result of the deteriorating economic situation, particularly in relation to the labour market where unemployment remains the key challenge. The Minister welcomed the announcement of a Youth Employment Initiative and said he expected that Ireland, whose two regions have youth unemployment rates in excess of the 25% threshold set down by the Council, will benefit from it. The focus on youth unemployment is something the Irish Government had been pressing for.  Our rate of youth unemployment is one of the worst in Europe and investment is urgently needed to address this crisis.  The Minister said he was particularly pleased with the special provision of €150 million that will see the PEACE Programme for Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland continue.  I believe we should have a new programme because I believe in the values of the programme and the contribution it has made to supporting reconciliation, to the creation of a shared society, and to addressing the legacy of the troubles.  Significant challenges remain, however, and addressing them is important for the longer term viability of the peace process.  The Minister, who last week shared a platform in Brussels with Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness at a seminar on the PEACE Programme which was hosted by Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn, has been working with the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to ensure that funding, which was not provided for in the original proposal from the European Commission, would continue. Minister Howlin said that the agreement on the EU Budget would facilitate the ongoing negotiation of the legislative package for Cohesion Policy for the period 2014-2020 which is taking place under the Irish Presidency of the Council of Ministers.  The Minister, who recently addressed the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee on the issue, said that he was committed on behalf of the Presidency to working in co-operation with the Parliament as co-legislator to reach agreement on the package. This Press Release  was issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Friday 8th February 2013.  2013-02-11T12:44:22+00:00 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/submission_from_the_se_regional_assembly_on_the_rdp_for_ireland_2014_2020 http://www.seregassembly.ie/index.php/site/submission_from_the_se_regional_assembly_on_the_rdp_for_ireland_2014_2020#When:13:25:44Z The S& E Regional Assembly made a submission on the RDP for Ireland 2014-2020 to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The S& E Regional Assembly made a submission on the RDP for Ireland 2014-2020 to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.The Rural Development Programme (RDP) plays a significant role in the economic and social well being of rural communities in Ireland. The new programme period will see a building on and enhancement of measures co-funded under the 2007-2013 RDP. The scope afforded by the set of proposals under the Common Strategic Framework will allow for new measures to strengthen farm and business development, critically aimed at favouring young farmers. It will bolster cooperation between farmers and small businesses, support producer groups, organic farming and devise farmer friendly insurance premia that recognises the particular external factors that affect the profitability of farming i.e. loss of production due to unfavourable weather conditions. Please click here to download the Assembly's submission. 2013-01-29T13:25:44+00:00