Irish people overwhelmingly support the EU, according to the EU Funds Public Attitude and Awareness Survey, which was published this week. Over 87% of respondents view Ireland’s EU membership as a good thing and having a positive impact on the country.
The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) in Ireland commissioned B&A Research to conduct the survey to establish awareness and perceptions of EU funding nationally. The four main ESIF have invested over €3.45 billion in Ireland in the 2014-20 period, including approximately €600 million through the ERDF Southern & Eastern Regional Programme, managed by the Southern Regional Assembly. Funded supports focus on initiatives such as education, research, job creation and sustainable urban development in localities and regions across the country.
The survey also found that:
- 3 in 4 Irish adults are aware of at least one EU fund, with almost half aware of the European Regional Development Fund, and that 80% believe that a regional approach to EU funding is a good idea;
- Public health, Environment/ Climate Change, Education and Learning, and Sustainable Quality Employment are considered the most important areas for EU investment;
- 83% believe our national interests are best supported by acting jointly with the EU in relation to Brexit and COVID-19.
Cllr. John Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly said, “the overwhelming support for Ireland’s EU membership is very reassuring and reflects the longstanding benefits we have received in many areas, particularly funding through ERDF programmes in our localities”.
Derville Brennan, Assistant Director of the Southern Regional Assembly said, “The visibility of the ERDF is very positive for us as we manage the S&E Regional Programme. As we plan for the 2021-27 round of this ERDF programme, we will continue to raise awareness of the part our EU membership through EU funding has to play in delivering for the regions of Ireland”.
View the full survey findings here.
ENDS
Note to Editor
EU Funds support economic development across all the European Union and make up over half of the European Union’s budget.
The ESIF in Ireland include the main funds of the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
In Ireland, the funds are used together with Government funding to invest in education, research, and job creation to help create a sustainable and healthy economy across the whole of the country.
They are also spent on protecting our environment, and on supporting rural and coastal communities. Between 2014 and 2020, together the ERDF, ESF, EMFF and EAFRD will invest €3.45 billion in Ireland.
The S&E Regional Programme is managed by the Southern Regional Assembly and is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The Programme’s eligible region is called the Southern and Eastern (S&E) Region. Information on the Southern & Eastern Regional Programme can be found here.
For further information, please contact Siobhán Rudden at the Southern Regional Assembly:
086 1740155 or srudden@southernassembly.ie