Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to clarify that there was no downgrading of the north and western region by the European Commission from the status of a region in transition. This region in transition designation was decided in 2018 based on GDP per capita in the region over the previous three years and has been used to calculate European funding allocations for the region from 2021 to 2027. Separately, then, the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development, REGI, independently categorised the north-west region as a lagging region. It is using a range of other data, such as productivity and education and skills. What we are talking about here, therefore, are two parallel classifications. Both highlight what we already know, which is that the north and west region warrants targeted support to reach its full potential. I looked at the figures from my Department, and since 2020, it alone has provided funding to this region of €349,749,000. The Deputies and I live in the region and we know how important it is to continue this momentum. It is good that €217 million will be available for investment in the region as well under the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, 2021-2027.

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