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EU benefits for Limerick outlined in run-up to Lisbon vote
SIX weeks out from the second referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon and a European Commission-backed roadshow hits Limerick to give locals a chance to debate Ireland and the EU.
The "talktoeu" debate will take place at the Clarion Hotel next Monday at 8pm, and an Irish-based Commission representative will be on hand to answer questions from the public.
This week, the Commission sent out details of the hundreds of millions' worth of EU-backed projects completed or underway in County Limerick but denied this was part of an effort to persuade people to vote 'yes' on October 2, pointing out the 12-month duration of the campaign goes well past polling day.
According to the Commission, research carried out post-Lisbon I "highlighted a lack of knowledge about the European Union amongst the Irish public", which was why the "talktoeu" initiative was undertaken.
Since joining the then European Common Market in 1973, Ireland has received some €58bn in EU structural and cohesion funds, about €30bn less than the value of bad bank loans to be managed by NAMA.
And according to the Commission, Limerick has received its fair share of this bounty.
Among the projects the EU has backed in Limerick city and county are:
• €27.8m for the N20 / N21 from Patrickswell to the city; €9m for the northern relief road in Limerick city; €8m for the Southern Ring Road around the city as well as millions for the realignment of the N24 Tipperary Road, improvements to the N69 to Foynes and the N7 to Nenagh and the Croom bypass. Work on 80 regional roads have been supported by the EU since 1994.
• Waste management facilities such as civic amenity sites at Newcastle West, Mungret and Kilmallock, as well as bring banks around the county were co-financed by the EU.
• Limerick Main Drainage received €116m from the EU; €11m was provided for sewerage schemes in Kilmallock and Mungret, while small public and group water schemes were also supported in places like Templeglantine and Shanagolden.
• The provision of broadband through the Metropolitan Area Networks at Limerick, Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West was part-funded by the EU.
• Ballyhoura Development received €3.3m in EU funding to support community facilities, agri-tourism and local enterprise. Under the LEADER Rural Development programme, Ballyhoura was allocated a further €11.7m and West Limerick Resources almost €10m for local business supports, developing tourism, village renewal and diversification into non-agricultural activities. Limerick farmers continue to relieve EU support through the Common Agricultural Policy and REPS payments.
• Over €31m has been granted since 2000 for the provision of childcare services in the city and county, including facilities such as Croi na nOg, Rathkeale; Sunflowers in Doon; Tiny Tots, Kilmallock and community creches and childcare facilities in Dooradoyle, Herbertstown, Newcastle West, Kilcornan, Hospital, Galbally and Limerick city.
• Laid-off workers continue to benefit from training programmes under the European Globalisation Fund. An application for €20m to upskill redundant Dell workers is currently being examined.
• Research at the third level is continuously funded by the EU, including a €5m grant for UL to lead a pan-European project to reduce MRSA infection rates.
• Among the local businesses to benefit from EU funding through county and city enterprise boards are Cocoa Bean Chocolates and On Sight Design in the city, Sunnyside Timber Frame Homes in Newcastle West, Abbey Moulding Contractors in Abbeyfeale, Glen Aine Foods in Hospital and Munster Packaging in Knocklong.
For more information, visit www.talktoeu.ie
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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