Broadband tops list in EU’s €320.2m funding for BMW

The EU signed off on a €320m Regional Policy programme for the Bord Midlands and West this week – which the recipients claim with create over 5,000 new jobs for the region.

That breaks down as 583 new jobs in the micro-enterprise sector and a further 4,500 jobs among SME clients of Enterprise Ireland, according to the BMW.

The programme is also expected to increase broadband links to all unserved towns and villages in the BMW region by providing 583 settlements with next generation broadband.

It will aim to increase energy efficiency in housing in the BMW region, and rejuvenate certain urban spaces and increase use of public transport for urban journeys, as well as increase Research and Development in companies in the area through links between SMEs and research centres.

Donegal Cllr Seamus Ó Domhnaill – on behalf of the Border Midlands and Western Regional Assembly – met European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu in Brussels to sign the €320.2 m funding agreement for the region’s European Regional Development Fund for 2014-2020.

They were joined by Minister Brendan Howlin at a ceremony to mark the adoption of the ERDFs for Ireland for 2014-2020.

Welcoming the signing of the programme, Commissioner Creţu said: “We need to empower citizens with the skills and knowledge they need to set up small companies; we need to facilitate the access of these businesses to financial support, and most importantly, we need to enable them to create jobs. Today’s investment programmes set all Irish regions on this path.”

Councillor Ó Domhnaill said the new programme would deliver universal high speed broadband to every town and village, benefitting 145,000 households.

“It will also offer continued support for up to 15,000 enterprises through Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland, energy efficiency in more than 10,000 social housing and low income households,” he added.