Menu
17/07/2012
NI Loses More Than A Third Of Its EU Money - Thinktank
Northern Ireland is losing out on the money it pays in to the EU, a leading eurosceptic thinktank has claimed.
Research by Open Europe found that taxpayers here were paying £1.58 into the EU for each £1 they got back in grants.
Regional development funds exist to reinvest European tax money into the poorest regions of the continent.
Today a committee of MPs is backing an overhaul of the way funds are spent, saying "repatriation" of the European Regional Development Fund could save funds going to Brussels and back, giving both Westminster and Stormont more control.
The measures, backed by the Communities and Local Government committee, could bring Northern Ireland an extra £234m.
But other European states would have to agree on the change.
The ERDF is used to support regeneration schemes and small businesses and is managed by Invest NI here.
Open Europe said the total contribution from Northern Irish taxpayers between 2007 and 2013 was £826m but just £523m was spent here.
Pawel Swidicki of the thinktank said: "Northern Ireland would be a significant winner if this reform was implemented as it is currently a significant net contributor to the funds despite being less wealthy than the UK average, whereas it could secure both additional funding and the scope to tailor it to better suit its particular needs."
(NE)
Research by Open Europe found that taxpayers here were paying £1.58 into the EU for each £1 they got back in grants.
Regional development funds exist to reinvest European tax money into the poorest regions of the continent.
Today a committee of MPs is backing an overhaul of the way funds are spent, saying "repatriation" of the European Regional Development Fund could save funds going to Brussels and back, giving both Westminster and Stormont more control.
The measures, backed by the Communities and Local Government committee, could bring Northern Ireland an extra £234m.
But other European states would have to agree on the change.
The ERDF is used to support regeneration schemes and small businesses and is managed by Invest NI here.
Open Europe said the total contribution from Northern Irish taxpayers between 2007 and 2013 was £826m but just £523m was spent here.
Pawel Swidicki of the thinktank said: "Northern Ireland would be a significant winner if this reform was implemented as it is currently a significant net contributor to the funds despite being less wealthy than the UK average, whereas it could secure both additional funding and the scope to tailor it to better suit its particular needs."
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 April 2006
EU funding to be examined at seminar
The future of EU Structural Funds spending in Northern Ireland will come under the spotlight at a major seminar in Belfast on Monday April 24.
EU funding to be examined at seminar
The future of EU Structural Funds spending in Northern Ireland will come under the spotlight at a major seminar in Belfast on Monday April 24.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
01 May 2007
Barroso declares 1Bn euro aid for NI
EC President Manuel Barroso has met with the future first and deputy first minister today to give his backing to a devolved government. He also declared plans for over 1 billion euro to be released to Northern Ireland between 2007 and 2013.
Barroso declares 1Bn euro aid for NI
EC President Manuel Barroso has met with the future first and deputy first minister today to give his backing to a devolved government. He also declared plans for over 1 billion euro to be released to Northern Ireland between 2007 and 2013.
04 January 2019
DUP Launch 'After We Leave' Consultation On Post-Brexit Matters
The DUP has released two public consultation documents relating to Northern Ireland's fishing policy and future regional funds.
DUP Launch 'After We Leave' Consultation On Post-Brexit Matters
The DUP has released two public consultation documents relating to Northern Ireland's fishing policy and future regional funds.
18 April 2008
PSNI Funds Switch Lisburn CCTV Back On
After the big 'switch off' Lisburn is now to have the big CCTV 'switch on' again. Police said yesterday they were contributing cash to have CCTV in the area switched back on. It was announced this week that a shortfall in funding meant the plug was pulled on camera systems in Lisburn, Moira, Hillsborough and Dunmurry.
PSNI Funds Switch Lisburn CCTV Back On
After the big 'switch off' Lisburn is now to have the big CCTV 'switch on' again. Police said yesterday they were contributing cash to have CCTV in the area switched back on. It was announced this week that a shortfall in funding meant the plug was pulled on camera systems in Lisburn, Moira, Hillsborough and Dunmurry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
