‘Big ideas’ needed forEuropean funding

Speaking during a visit to the borough on Tuesday morning, the Sinn Fein MEP gave a commitment to help the local Council and community groups submit quality applications.

Previously, she said, Northern Ireland has “not been at the races when it comes to drawing down European funding”.

“We need to make people more aware of opportunities available and assist them in trying to be bold and not to be put off by bureaucracy.”

The MEP indicated that a fresh round of funding will be available from 2014 until 2020 through a “Horizon 2020” programme which she believes will present opportunites for funding business and social projects.

She said that there will be nine “funding streams” which could benefit small and medium business enterprises and employment opportunities which would be in addition to other monies still available such as the European Social Fund.

However, she said that she voted against cuts to the Rural Development Fund which she believes will present difficulties for farmers in Northern Ireland.

“We also have to see how we can maximise other opportunities through Peace Four funding as many groups are still focusing on Peace Three.

“It is up to Larne to come up with big ideas. That is what impresses Europe.

During her visit to the borough, at the request of Sinn Fein councillor James McKeown, the MEP met representatives from LEDCOM, Larne Chamber of Commerce, Larne Traders’ Association and councillors at Willowbank Business Park before touring Larne Town Hall and proceeding to Glenarm where she visited Steenson’s and Glenarm Organic Salmon before meeting members of Carnlough’s development group.

Larne mayor Maureen Morrow welcomed the support of the MEP ahead of the new round of European funding for 2014.

“The Council could apply directly to Europe for funding. Anything is possible.”