Happy Europe Day from the Southern Regional Assembly!
Europe Day is celebrated on 9th May each year to mark the signing of the Schuman Declaration on 9 May 1950 – an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe that is considered the beginning the European Union that we know today. Working for peace in Europe is even more important today, in solidarity with Ukraine.
This year, we made Europe Day unforgettable with a celebration at the Central Library in Waterford City! The Bealtaine Choir performed the European anthem, ‘Ode to Joy’. Adding to the excitement, fifth-grade students from St. Stephens Boys National School eagerly participated in an EU Quiz, shouting out the answers. It was a great occasion, bringing together music, education, and community spirit to commemorate the values of unity and cooperation that define Europe Day.
Our EU membership has changed how we live, work, study and travel for the better and EU funding has been a huge support in this. The Southern Regional Assembly has managed the European Regional Development Fund’s (ERDF) Regional Programmes since 2000.
The ERDF will again support the Southern region with the launch of €663 million Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. The funding is managed again by the Southern Regional Assembly and supports will be channelled along three priorities and awarded through eight schemes to support research, innovation, energy efficiency and regional town regeneration across the Southern Region and Eastern and Midland Region.
Priority 1 is the creation of smarter and more competitive regions by enhancing research and innovation capacity and supporting regional enterprise. Priority 2 is the creation of low carbon, energy efficient regions and will be achieved by supporting investments to improve energy efficiency of residential homes, targeting homeowners in or at risk of energy poverty. Priority 3 is sustainable & integrated urban development which involves taking an integrated strategic approach to the regeneration of our towns using a Town Centres First Framework.
Examples of socially inclusive and sustainable regional projects capitalising on ERDF funding include:
- Enhancement of Clare’s Shannon Town Park
- Regeneration of Limerick’s O’Connell Street
- Transformation of Waterford city’s historic Apple Market
- Landscaped public realm works at Kilkenny’s Abbey Quarter
- Transformation of Tralee’s Island of Geese
- Regeneration works at Wexford’s Crescent Quay
- Construction of Cork’s youngest bridge, Mary Elmes
- Construction of a boardwalk along the side of Mallow Bridge
- Construction of Cork City’s new contemporary Marina Park
- Refurbishment and development of Swords Castle Cultural & Civic Quarter
Cllr. Terry Shannon, Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly said, “The European Union is first and foremost a peace process which has seen prolonged peace in Europe not seen over many centuries before its creation. Ireland has benefited enormously from its membership across all strands of society. The Irish people know this and that is why the vast majority of them continue to support our membership.”
The Southern Regional Assembly is responsible for implementing the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, managing and delivering ERDF and Interreg programmes, auditing EU funding project claims, and participating in EU-funded projects.
In 2023, the Assembly audited EU funding claims worth over €10 million to Irish organisations that are participating in EU projects which support new and next-stage research, small business supports, and bring expertise and knowledge from other EU regions to inform public policy development.
The Southern Region is represented by 33 local councillors who serve as Assembly Members and meet monthly to discuss issues related to regional planning, local, national and EU policies, EU programme management and EU project benefits.
Let’s celebrate 51 years of a strong and successful partnership between Ireland and the European Union. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for all.