Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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236. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way that elected members of local government can benefit from EU funding such as the European Territorial Co-operation programme (or Interreg); if his Department supports councillors and their communities to access this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46326/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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ETC (Interreg) Funding is available to Irish Stakeholders through a number of EU Funding Programmes. Each of these programmes have specific focuses, and funding is allocated under an array of Priorities and Specific Objectives.

Interreg Programmes have regular “Calls” for Funding opportunities, and through Transnational Partnerships, Irish Stakeholders can apply for funding.

In general, the eligibility of stakeholders in Ireland to participate in ETC Programmes is not limited and is open to most organisations who wish to apply.

The Local Authority sector in Ireland have historically been very successful in accessing ETC (Interreg) Funding. The Northern & Western Regional Assembly, The Southern Regional Assembly, The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and the SEUPB each have Regional/National Contact Points for ETC Programmes and they provide guidance and support to Irish Stakeholders wishing to access ETC (INTERREG) Funding in the following programmes: Northern Periphery and Arctic, North West Europe, Atlantic Area, Interreg Europe, UBRBACT, ESPON and Peace Plus.