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IBEC has expressed serious concern that the Government’s
commitment to regional development has been undermined by
the move to defer substantial capital allocations to the Gateways
Innovation Fund, which is part of the national spatial strategy.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
John Gormley TD has announced that, as part of his department's
spending cuts, €40 million allocated to the fund for 2008
has been withdrawn and €100 million for 2009 deferred (Click
Here).
Danny McCoy, IBEC Director of Policy said - “The economic
and social development of the regions should remain a national
strategic priority and not be sacrificed in the current economic
climate. The Gateways Innovation Fund is designed to open
up key areas for development and the programme should be fast-tracked
along with all projects benefiting the gateways and hubs in
the National Development Plan.”
He added - "IBEC has consistently argued that balanced regional
development is the main criteria on which the National
Development Plan should be assessed. On paper, at least, the
Plan promises a development strategy which has the potential
to enable regions to achieve their economic potential and
to improve the quality of life throughout the country.
"The Government must continue to support the economic and
social development of all regions in their efforts to achieve
their full potential. The Gateway Innovation Fund must be
fully implemented, so it can deliver the projects necessary
for balanced regional development" - he concluded.
As a new €300 million initiative due to begin in 2008, the
Gateways Innovation Fund aims to promote public and private
co-funded competitive bids to develop local and regional economic
infrastructure across the country.
Eligible projects include -
- Key local economic infrastructure
Investment designed to leverage wider development of residential,
commercial and industrial activities, particularly key central
sites.
- Integrated Physical and Socio/Economic Regeneration
Projects to strengthen linkages within Gateways and between
Gateways and their wider hinterlands.
- Transport Initiatives
Projects designed to encourage significant modal shift from
private car towards public transport, cycling and walking.
- Quality of Life Investment
Major city or town centre pedestrian schemes, enhancement
of public open spaces, recreational amenities and cultural
facilities.
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