NEWS

The North East Partnership Officially Launch The Management and Implementation of the Multi Annual Plan (MAP) Project

15th September 2011

 NEP MAP Project Launch

Over £500,000 funding to secure the work of the North East Partnership was announced today, as part of the cross border INTERREG IVA Programme.   Awarded under the theme of Collaboration, the Multi Annual Plan (MAP) project provides the resources to effectively manage all cross-border projects from their conception right through to their implementation.  The award of funding not only secures three full-time jobs, but allows for the effective promotion of the NEP and the INTERREG IVA Programme as a whole. 

Welcoming visitors to the Ecos Centre for the announcement of the continued funding package Chairman of the North East Partnership, Ald. PJ McAvoy said  “We are delighted to have secured this funding for the Partnership. This will enable us to continue with our work promoting, managing and implementing our wide variety of cross border projects. I wish to express our gratitude to the Special European Programme’s Body and assure them we will maintain our momentum and enthusiasm in taking all our projects forward.”

Also in attendance at the launch, Mrs Anne Donaghy, Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Lead Administrative Council, Ballymena Borough Council, said "This is excellent news for the Partnership. We know that there are many varied borders; geographic, political, economic and social, but we recognise that by working in collaboration with other councils locally and with our cross border partners that we will achieve a better environment for all our residents."

Speaking at the announcement SEUPB’s Howard Keery said "As one of the five cross-border partnerships, the NEP has an important role to strategically prepare and manage the applications for funding under the INTERREG IVA Programme which focuses on cross-border co-operation.  To date the partnership has secured a significant amount of funding for the projects in areas such as tourism, enterprise and environmental sustainability.  This has been achieved through a strong commitment to regional co-operation which is an approach that underlines the core objectives of the INTERREG IVA Programme.”

The North East Partnership has secured approximately £8.4 million pounds of INTERREG IVA funding towards a variety of cross border projects; including the Gobbins and Sliabh Liag project, which will see the restoration of the famous Gobbins cliff path in Islandmagee.

The NEP and their project partners are extremely excited about the coming months, as several projects near realisation and with many more potential projects in the pipeline, we are closer to achieving our core goal; sustainable development of the North East region via collaboration and communication with the Border Region of the Republic of Ireland and Western Scotland. 

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