DELIVERING FUTURE EU SUPPORT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Association Prorities for 2011- 2012

Now is the right time to look at the achievements of the EU funds and to discuss new efforts on the enhanced usage of the resources available. in order to secure social cohesion, as well as regional development. Increasingly, Councils are being asked to do more with less resources, while the EU has started its preparations for the next funding period 2014 - 2020. What will this entail in light of the current economic slowdown? Councils need to be at the core of the regional negotiations on the further shape of Northern Ireland EU Programmes post 2013. Initial discussions have started between NILGA and the Department of Finance and Personal to ensure local government involvement. Local government priorities for 2011 must focus on securing EU funding and limiting the negative impact of EU policy on Council service delivery.