Longford County Council elected representatives are hoping to follow in the footsteps of their Donegal counterparts in appointing a dedicated officer whose only role is to identify EU funding.
A notice of motions, submitted by Fine Gael councillors Paul Ross, Gerard Farrell, Colm Murray (pictured), Colin Dalton, Pauric Brady, Garry Murtagh, Gerry Hagan, Peggy Nolan, and John Browne called on the local authority Chief Executive to appoint an EU Funding Officer.
The officer would analyse council strategic plans and identify EU funding to progress elements of those plans. They also called on Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien to set up a fund to support Local Authorities to access EU Funding.
FG MEP Colm Markey has canvassed heavily for each local authority to make such an appointment.
Cllr Paul Ross said there were ample instances where the local authority had not capitalised on available European funds: “If you look at the Just Transition Programme, very little has been drawn down. It’s a role that could be self-financing. It’s a step forward. There should be one in every county.”
The Just Transition fund is the State’s response to climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy as part of the 2015 Paris climate agreement which was adopted by 195 countries including Ireland.
There are three key pillars to the initiative: Employment and Enterprise Supports; Training Supports; and Community Transitioning Supports.
Responding to the motion Longford County Council’s Head of Enterprise, Michael Nevin, said the councillor’s motion articulated concerns raised by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Mr Nevin pointed out that the Irish Regions European Office based in Brussels represents the three Regional Assemblies and 31 local authorities of Ireland. He said the office is at the disposal of local authorities to identify funding opportunities available through the EU.
“The four local authorities in the Midlands support the employment of a EU Support Officer for Local Government programme manager based in Offaly. She is also the coordinator for the just Transition Programme.
“She is a great help in assisting local authorities to make them aware of European funding opportunities as they arise,” the DoS told the meeting.
Cllr Colm Murray (FG) asked for clarity on whether the local authority would consider the proposal or stick with the current situation. In his reply Paddy Mahon, the Longford County Council Chief Executive, said: “We are reasonably well supported by the regional advisor.
“We are getting very good value for money on what we spend at the moment. We will take the notice of motion on board and have a conversation with the Department to see how viable it would be and if there is funding available.”
Cllr Murray spoke of the importance of taking action in the area: “If it’s a case that other local authorities are making such an appointment we wouldn’t want to be left behind.”
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