The EU - Supporting Your Local Community - europa.eu
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The EU - Supporting Your
Local Community
Ireland has received approximately €72.5 billion funding since joining the EU
in 1973. In addition to these funds, Ireland has also benefited in recent years
from funding for research projects. In 2014, research receipts amounted to
€127 million and a further €110 million was paid in 2013.
The majority of Irish funding from the EU now comes through the Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP). The next largest amount of funding comes from the
Structural and Cohesion Funds, which have contributed considerable investment
into our transportation, educational and water-related infrastructures as well In 2014, the European Union’s new research and
as educational training and other supports used to up-skill our workforce. innovation programme, Horizon 2020, came into
force. It is designed to make it easier for researchers
From 2014 to 2020, structural funding will focus mainly on areas such as and businesses, (including SMEs) to collaborate on
research, technology and innovation supporting small, medium enterprises projects. A key element of Horizon 2020 is a proposal
(SMEs), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), energy efficiency and to join forces with the private sector and member
education, training and labour activation measures. states of the EU, to achieve results that one country
or company is less likely to achieve alone.
Ireland is developing a clean, innovative and highly skilled economy, providing
world-class leadership and competitiveness in areas such as IT, Research Around €22 billion will be invested in this, to boost
and Technology. Irish farmers are producing high-quality products for world innovation in potentially high growth sectors that
markets. These investments are providing a further stimulus in every region of will generate high quality jobs. Much of the funding
Ireland and are supporting Donegal‘s economic development and employment will go to public-private partnerships, called Joint
generation. Technology Initiatives (JTIs) that will carry out
research into: innovative medicines; fuel cells and
This information leaflet provides an insight into some of the ways that the EU hydrogen; aeronautics; bio-based industries; and
supports Irish citizens throughout every county in Ireland. electronics.
Irish participants in existing JTIs have already received over
€12.5 million from the EU research budget. Here are some
successful examples of this in Donegal:
€3.6 million for TRAINER-ERS Project
Randox Laboratories, based in Donegal, is a partner in a
€3.6 million funded project, funded through Horizon 2020.
This is a leading medical diagnostics company, situated on
the Atlantic coastline. Randox Teoranta’s facility in Dungloe
is a cutting-edge life-science and engineering research and
manufacturing centre.
Continued on next page...
Enterprise Ireland’s board held its latest quarterly meeting at the CoLab at the
Letterkenny Institute of Technology. As well as meeting the various enterprises based
at the CoLab the board also met the WiSAR Lab team, who are part of Enterprise
Ireland’s Technology Gateway network.
Donegal
...continued from front page
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is emerging as a common
feature in the pathology of numerous diseases including cancer,
neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes and inflammatory
diseases. ER stress represents a potential therapeutic intervention
point to be exploited to develop novel therapies, diagnostic tools and
markers for these diseases. However, exploitation is hampered by the
shortage of scientists with interdisciplinary training that can navigate
between the academic, industrial and clinical sectors, and that have
the skills, together with an innovative outlook, to convert research
findings into commercial and clinical applications.
This TRAIN-ERS project brings young researchers together with
world-leading academics, clinicians and industry personnel. The
TRAIN-ERS network provides early stage researchers (ESRs) with high
quality scientific and complementary skills training combined with Chameleon Colour Systems is an SME based in Galway. They have
international, intersectoral work experience. The TRAIN-ERS research developed and manufactured innovative Colour Tinting and Mixing
programme also provides the ESR’s with the knowledge and the cutting Systems since 1992 with a client base throughout Europe, Middle
edge scientific and technical skills that will drive understanding and East and selected SE Asian and South American markets. They export
exploitation of the ER stress response for therapeutic and diagnostic to 57 countries worldwide. In response to customer feedback and
purposes. market demand, Chameleon required support in the development
of the next generation paint-making machine. This required a new
Technology Gateway Programme (previously ARE Applied digital design to create a single digital operating board solution with
Research Enhancement) reduced manufacturing cost and increased reliability, etc. The company
The programme aims to harness the applied research and technology partnered with the WiSAR Lab availing of its expertise in embedded
expertise within the Institutes of Technology sector, for the benefit design, PCB design, prototyping and test. A new operating board was
of industry in Ireland. The new Technology Gateway programme has designed and delivered, with test procedure protocols that allow for
a 5-year funding term, with funding amounts of up to €1.2 million. effective testing and quality control of boards in Ireland.
The Institutes of Technology have a key role to play in developing
innovative technologies in collaboration with local industry to deliver This was critical to Chameleon’s success and continued growth through
maximum industrial impact. the introduction of a new and improved product. The company maintains
an ongoing relationship with WiSAR with further collaboration planned.
Technology Gateways – Letterkenny IT
The WiSAR Gateway based in LYIT is delivering solutions to companies “Working closely with WiSAR, we resolved a weakness in the electronic
in Ireland and in particular the North West, utilising its wireless sensor control system of a key new product. WiSAR has made a significant
technologies expertise from system design to prototype development. difference to us, offering us technical expertise and confidence to
WiSAR’s technology to industry encompasses: wireless embedded consider further projects in the knowledge that they can assist us.”
systems for health monitoring; RF design and testing; power electronics Padraic Timon Founder and Managing Director,of Chameleon Colour
design to prototypes; and electrical systems for industrial processes. Systems.
Supporting Local
In 2014, capital funding of almost €91 million was made available to
LEOs throughout Ireland, to provide direct grant assistance for micro-
enterprises employing up to 10 staff and training and development
Enterprise supports for micro and small businesses. Donegal received €6.8 million
in 2014.
A key part of the Europe 2020 Strategy is to promote jobs and growth A number of Financial Instruments, aimed at building more sustainable,
and to ensure that micro and small businesses can start up, grow and innovative start-ups and supporting expansion of small companies are
export. As part of this, new Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have been available for SMEs, including grants for start-ups, business expansion
established within Local Authorities, (replacing the existing County and feasibility studies. Micro Finance can also be arranged. There is one
Enterprise Boards) with the aim of delivering more integrated support LEO in Donegal, which is based in Letterkenny.
services for micro and small business. The new LEOs are responsible at
local level for cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting Donegal LEO offers a number of courses for local business people
business development. They are the “First Stop Shops” through which including a Female Enterprise Programme, The Food Coast (Donegal
all State supports for small and micro businesses can be accessed and Initiative to support, promote and facilitate the food and drink sector),
where companies with clear high growth potential can be seamlessly Start Your Own Business. Accelerate (for businesses that are two years
fast-tracked to the next level of support. or older) and Creative Entrepreneurship. The LEO also offers Mentoring
for all areas of business.
Continued on next page...
Donegal
...continued from previous page Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland also offers a number of grants for SMEs to
Donegal LEO is also involved in two European Initiatives: E-Create
support development, marketing, exporting, training and esearch and
(promotes tourism along cultural and historical routes in order to
development.
increase the competitiveness of enterprises in rural areas and to
transfer good practices which improve regional and local policies);
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the world’s largest support
Knowledge Cities (facilitates the access and transition to the knowledge
network for SMEs has established a new partnership with 31 Local
economy and shares through transnational cooperation best practice in
Enterprise Offices in Ireland, including the LEO in Donegal. This offers
sustainable urban development).
free access for Donegal companies to Europe’s largest database
with up to 10,000 new business and technology opportunities in the
Young Entrepreneurs EU and many other major global markets. This partnership provides
Three young entrepreneurs from Donegal won an overall investment
Irish companies with an important gateway into the EU and a bigger
fund of €50k, through the Enterprise Ireland Young Entrepreneur
footprint globally by forging new international partnerships. The
Competition, which was run jointly with Donegal LEO. The winners were:
Network is co-financed under ‘COSME’, the EU funding programme for
• Best New Idea (winning €10k): Niall McGonigle, from
the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs. The services are tailored
McGonigle Industries in Bundoran.
for SMEs but are also available to all other businesses, universities and
• Best Start Up (winning €20k): Christopher Duffy from Duffy’s
research centres.
Potatoes.
• Best Established Business (winning €20k): Aisling Cunningham
from Powder ‘n’ Pout.
Promoting
Rural
Development
Currently, Irish farmers receive EU funding of €1.2 billion every year
through CAP funding and since 2007, Irish farmers have received a total
of €10.5 billion. Further support of €2.3 billion was received through
rural development programmes, with a further €2.2 billion secured for
the 2014-2020 period. In recent years, these programmes accounted
for around 90% of our total EU public sector receipts.
The LEADER Initiative was established to improve the quality of life Old Church Visitor Centre An Grianan
in rural areas and encourage diversification of the rural economy by
providing support initiatives in the area of rural/agri-tourism, local Business
enterprise development and community facilities. The LEADER initiative • Donegal Brewing Company, in Ballyshannon, received approx
will provide €250 million in financial resources of which Donegal has €113k to assist them in developing their range of craft beers.
been allocated a budget of almost €13 million.
Tourism
Here are some of the more recent projects funded through this • Bundoran received almost €32k towards the costs of their
programme: annual Lobster and Lettuce Festival which runs over a weekend
in July.
Heritage • Rann na Feirste is a Gaeltacht area in the Northwest region
• The Old Church Visitor Centre in Burt, Innishowen, received of Donegal. Every summer it is filled with hundreds of students
€37k in funding towards the development of their innovative from other parts of Ireland who come to the area, stay with local
information centre. The centre displays some of the latest families and improve their Irish language skills. The area has
multimedia technological exhibits surrounding the mythical a rich history of song-writing and singing. The project received
Tuatha De Danann Race of Gods and Warriors. It also focuses €61.5k towards establishing a writer’s residence.
attention on the Grianan of Aileach Ringfort plus the local
heritage and culture of the surrounding area. JON – GREAT PICS Farm Diversification
ON THEIR WEBSITE. • Bernard and Catherine Devlin were awarded €65k to develop
• Carrickagraghy Castle Restoration Project received over €22k Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre, which offers riding for all ages and
to help with the restoration of the 16th century O’Doherty castle levels in one of the most scenic areas of Donegal.
at Isle of Doagh. • Patrick and Kevin Harley manage a 70 acre farm at
Curraghleas, Letterkenny, which has been in family ownership
Community for two generations. The farm currently has 30 acres of land
• Barrack Town Hill Park under willow. The Harley brothers believed that there was a
An ambitious project that transformed over four acres of land growing demand for biomass fuel in Donegal. Their project was
in the heart of Carndonagh now serves as a hub for community developed as a result of the Irish Government’s commitment to
activity, recreation and leisure activities. Opened in March 2015, carbon targets. Patrick and Kevin Harley received €81k towards
the project received approx €22.5k funding. developing a willow wood drying facility.
Donegal
Cork
Supporting coastal
communities
Great Lighthouses of Ireland Project
Two lighthouses in Donegal have been named as part of the Great
Lighthouses of Ireland, a €2.5 million funded tourism initiative.
Featuring twelve lighthouses in stunning coastal locations Great
Lighthouses of Ireland offer unforgettable experiences and create a
deep appreciation of the role of lighthouses and in the maritime and
seafaring story of the island of Ireland.
Fostering
The two lighthouses are St John’s Point (which is a harbour lighthouse
that guides from Donegal Bay and marks the north side of the bay
leading to Killybegs Harbour from the entrance up to Rotten Island)
Employment,
and Fanad Head (which is classified as a sea light as distinct from
a harbour light although it does mark the entrance into Lough Swilly
which forms a natural harbour of refuge).
Fishing Industry
In Ireland, there are 11,000 people employed in the seafood industry,
Education &
which includes almost 5,000 fishermen, over 1,700 fish farmers and
almost 3,000 employed in fish processing. Ireland’s largest export
market is France, followed by the UK, Spain and Nigeria.
Training
The European Social Fund (ESF) simulates the provision of employment
Fisheries Local Area Development Scheme - FLAGS and training opportunities, emphasising sustainable and quality
This scheme provides grant aid towards the sustainable development employment (especially youth). Poverty, discrimination and social
of fishery dependent areas. It is funded under the national Development exclusion are also tackled.
Plan and Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). The European
Fisheries Fund is designed specifically to promote the sustainable Since Ireland joined the EU, many agencies and State bodies have
development and improve the quality of life in fisheries dependant received almost €6.5 billion in investment from the ESF, including
areas. In particular, the funding provided through this scheme €24.1 million in 2014. In Donegal, the EU has co-funded projects
complements other EU funded programmes and forms part of an and programmes dealing with the youth sector, early school leavers,
overall strategy aimed at supporting implementation of the objectives minority groups, adult literacy, upskilling and support for long-term
of the common fisheries policy, while maintaining the economic and unemployed.
social prosperity of these areas. In 2014, over €533k was invested in
119 projects around the coast of Ireland. In Donegal, the local FLAG Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training,
area covers Ballyshannon to Muff. Public/community organisations youth and sport for the years 2014 to 2020. It provides funding
and private individuals all qualify for project funding. The new Seafood and support for organisations to operate projects, which encourage
Development Operation Programme will be published in 2016 and European exchange, co-operation and learning. Funding of almost
Ireland has secured EU funding of €148 million for this. €170 million has been allocated to Ireland for this period. Over 77%
of this will be allocated to education and training, with a further 10%
The programme supported the first ever seafood festival in Killybegs, focussing on youth.
Co. Donegal in September 2014. Organised by the Killybegs Community
Council, ‘Hooked!’ was a celebration of the fishing heritage in the
premier port of Killybegs and based on the success of the event, the
organisers aim to make the festival an annual event to attract more
visitors to the region.
Region Boundaries
North East Omeath to Skerries
South East Greystones to the river at Youghal
South West The River at Youghal to Foynes
West Kilimer to Leenane
North West Killary to Easkey
North Ballyshannon to Muff
For further information please contact:
The European Commission Representation in Ireland
Tel: 01 6341111 Email eu-ie-info-request@ec.europa.eu
www.euireland.ie www.facebook.com/EUIreland www.twitter.com/eurireland
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