Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and acknowledge her great work in this area. The point I am trying to make is that while INTERREG and PEACE funding has been tremendous for the Border region, more is required, namely, a bottom-up approach led by local authorities and communities along the Border. I am departing from my script to reinforce that point. Brexit creates a whole new scenario with regard to INTERREG and PEACE programme funding. That is particularly the case for those who will be outside the EU. Programmes are available on a trans-territorial basis in respect of EU and non-EU countries. The UK has spoken of establishing a shared prosperity fund, which will be a domestic programme of investment after it leaves the EU. It is important that we engage with those who will have the greatest impact on a region. I recognise that billions of euro have been provided under the INTERREG and PEACE programmes. The message coming loud and clear from the organisations along the Border to which Deputy Brendan Smith alluded is that a cohesive approach is required to ensure money is directed to where it is needed. The PEACE and INTERREG programmes will continue to be needed because in Belfast, Derry and elsewhere, much of the money provided has not filtered down to where the problems are found.

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