MEPS extend funding for Irish peace projects
MEPs voted today to prolong a multimillion-pound international fund to foster cross-border projects supporting the peace process in the North.
The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) was set up in 1986 by Dublin and London to fulfil an Anglo-Irish Agreement pledge that “the two governments shall co-operate to promote the economic and social development of those areas of both parts of Ireland which have suffered most severely from the consequences of the instability of recent years”.
EU funding now amounts to €15m a year – nearly two thirds of total global contributions, mainly from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Today the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee approved a report by Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly urging London and Dublin to extend the IFI beyond the current 2007-2010 spending period, with contributions able to be spent until 2013.
Mr Kelly’s report said the IFI had made an excellent contribution to “grassroots support” for the peace process, reinforced by the recent transfer of justice and policing powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“The IFI has been a key part of cross-community reconciliation and as it comes to the end of its current period, due recognition needs to be given to the key role played by the EU in this area” it said.
It called on the Irish and UK governments “to consider extending the life of the IFI”, adding: “There is still much work to be done to complete the goals of building bridges and integrating communities, especially through the medium of sport.”
The report also calls for the scope of the IFI to be widened: “The whole island of Ireland (should be) taken into consideration in any future projects. Bridge building should take place not just across communities in Northern Ireland, but also between Northern Ireland and all areas of the Republic of Ireland.”
Speaking after the committee’s backing in Brussels today Mr Kelly commented: “The aim of the report is to prolong the functioning of the Fund to ensure that there will be payment for projects until 2013.
“It has brought together communities that would not in the past have tolerated each other let alone worked on projects together.
“Its success has been held up as an example to other conflicted communities across the world and, given recent events, it is important that the funding is retained to ensure its ongoing success and to leave a positive, lasting legacy”.
The MEP said he hoped the report would get final approval in a full vote of the European Parliament later this month.
