Responses from N.IRELAND to the Consultation on the NSRF – February 2006

Responses from NORTHERN IRELAND to the February 2006
Consultation on the National Strategic Reference Framework:
European Structural Funds 2007 – 2013

Respondent / Link / Page
ACOVO / 116
Armagh City and District Council / ArmaghCDC.pdf / 138
Ashton Community Trust / 124
Banbridge District Council / 27
Belfast City Council / 54
CBI Northern Ireland / 89
Communities in Transition Programme / 108
Co-operation Ireland / 42
Councils of the Metropolitan Region (COMET) / 3
Craigavon Borough Council / 21
Disability Action / 132
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council / DungannonBC.pdf / 139
Lisburn City Council / 18
Local Strategy Partnership Working Group / 87
Mencap in Northern Ireland / 93
Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NIACRO) / 82
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) / 118
Northern Ireland Leader Network (NILN) / 97
Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) / 33
Social Economy Network (SEN) / 81
The Cedar Foundation / 49
Training for Women Network (TWN) / 31
Western Economic Strategy Team (WEST) / 9

Response from COMET

Received 11 May 2006

NATIONAL STRATEGIC REFERENCE FRAMEWORK

DRAFT RESPONSE FOR COMET

COMET (Councils of the Metropolitan Region) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Draft National Strategic Reference Framework. The six local authorities comprising Comet are Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and North Down. The Comet group is currently addressing a number of strategic issues across the metropolitan sub-region.

COMET broadly agrees the position set out in the draft document in terms of issues 1 –13 on the UK position. We will therefore restrict our response to how to concentrate funding in Northern Ireland and the issues faced in the Metropolitan Region.

1.Productivity

1.1 Without doubt one of the main issues facing the Northern Ireland economy is the productivity gap with the rest of the UK.

1.2The productivity gap requires a focussed approach to issues such as innovation, skills development, Research & Development and entrepreneurship.

1.3 The Metropolitan Region is the key economic driver in Northern Ireland and as such we feel that infrastructural and business development support will be crucial to enhance economic performance in the province.

  1. Enterprise

2.1 Business start-ups continue to rise, however lag behind the UK average.

2.2 The start a Business Programme delivered by ENI needs to be improved in line with the recent PWC Evaluation. In addition, linkages with the FE sector should be developed and enhanced.

2.3 Entrepreneurship is increasingly cited as a key factor in developing the private sector. We need to be looking beyond the start a business programme to capture and evolve entrepreneurs.

2.4 There is a clear need to re-enforce entrepreneurship in schools by encouraging young people to consider self-employment as a viable career option. A range of programmes to support enterprise development in schools should be promoted.

  1. Knowledge and Innovation

3.1 Wide acknowledgment that a knowledge-based economy embedding high levels of innovation and creativity is a key priority.

3.2 Utilisation of Universities and FE Colleges to develop Centres of Excellencefocussed on providing in the Universities case Research(R&D) and in the case of FE Colleges exploiting the potential for Development (R&D). I don’t think these are mutually exclusive. Innovation comes in a variety of forms which can be delivered by both universities and colleges.

3.3 Local Council delivery in Business Support could be based on the Centres Excellence model complimenting each area with specialist expertise.

3.4 Local Authorities could invest in activities to improve business performance at a local and sub-regional level.

3.5 Development of key ‘added value’ areas to encourage private sectoral Development, bio-technology, nano-technology, environmental services etc. Clustering of new technologies into viable business /technology parks utilising the Metropolitan Region to have complimentary sectors within the sub-region.

3.6 Sectoral development will be important with the decline of traditional industries. Workforce skills will be an important factor in attracting new sectors.

3.7 Creating CPD programmes not based on academic content but in experiential mentor based ‘real life’ learning scenario.

  1. Transport and Infrastructure

4.1 Joined up approach to the transportation infrastructure across Government Agencies.

4.2Enhancement of Local urban planning including traffic flow, sewage etc.

4.3 Ensuring the technological infrastructure meets the future needs of business.

4.4 Ensuring quality of transportation network, with a focus on the key transport hubs of Belfast International, Belfast City and Dublin airports, the key ports on the island and rail and road links between Belfast and Dublin

  1. Skills

5.1 Skills development is another area that will require partnership working with DEL, the FE Colleges and universities to deliver a high quality, flexible workforce, linked to the needs of business.

5.2 Local Authorities can engage in workforce development forums and connect the Colleges with business needs.

5.3 The creation of credible alternatives to University Courses, utilising practical experiential learning in skills development, creating a flexible workforce that is employable with creative and innovative skills.

5.4 An enhanced and growing private sector will attract more homegrown graduates and slow down the ‘brain drain’ from Northern Ireland.

5.5 There is much need also to address the high numbers of people in Northern Ireland with no or low skills or qualifications, particularly around pre-pre-vocational training with respect to soft skills including self esteem and confidence building.

  1. Environment

6.1Protection of the urban and rural environment.

6.2Waste Management, recycling and landfill issues are key priority. Renewable energies are also a high priority.

6.3Planning, greenbelts, housing development, controlled planning in local areas are also areas for consideration.

6.4Local urban regeneration, ability to plan areas to suit the community and preserve town/cityscapes.

6.5Preserving local identities and communities.

7ERDF

7.1COMET agrees that the ERDF programme should be a single programme under the Competitiveness and Employment Objective.

7.2COMET also agrees the three priority areas; increasing investment in research and development and promoting innovation, enterprise development and improving accessibility and enhancing the environment.

7.3Given the changes that will take place under RPA, there is a need to ensure that these priority areas interface with the Local Authorities to ensure that delivery is effective at a local level.

7.4The Metropolitan area is already the key driver in economic development in Northern Ireland, and we are committed to delivering effective programmes to enhance the objectives detailed through the ERDF priorities.

8ESF

8.1 COMET agrees that the ESF programme should be a single programme under the Competitiveness and Employment Objective.

8.2COMET also agrees the two priority areas; helping people into sustainable employment and improving workforce skills and adaptability.

8.3Identification of barriers to employment for entry or re-entry to the labour market will be essential to develop effective programmes aimed at improving access to the workforce. Life skills, childcare and other enhancements will be important aspects to effective programming.

8.4Given the influx of migrant workers, a minority programme to help assimilation into our society and into the workforce may be necessary. There are many examples of this through transnational partnerships, who have had and are having experience of these issues.

8.5ESF should also be utilised for those in employment to raise their skill levels, increasing productivity and flexibility.

9Other Considerations

9.1There seems to be a lack of government recognition of the rural economy. Diversification of rural businesses should be encouraged and specific focus on rural business development and rural tourism is required to underpin the broader concept of rural development.

9.2Enhancement of the rural environment and linking this to business opportunities.

9.3Growth of the tourism sector including dedicated programmes of assistance for local product development ( including events) and tourism business development. The opportunities afforded to the Comet region ( in terms of water-based tourism and related hospitality and infrastructure development), of the re-opening of the Lagan Navigation are clear. The ultimate goal is to connect this waterway through to Lough Neigh to the Ulster Canal through the Erne-Shannon waterway and on to the inland waterway network across the Republic of Ireland, creating a new tourism product of National significance, North and South.

9.4Marine and Coastal Development, utilisation of coastal infrastructure, environmental protection of our coasts, importance of ports, utilisation of the coast fortourism potential.

9.5Cross Border Developments; developing linkages (Dublin corridor), Glasgow, encouraging SME cross border development and procurement, joint tourism initiatives and investment techniques.

9.6International linkages; outward looking region, business co-operation, best practise learning and applications, targeted tourism packages, E-governance andinnovation and technical developments. Opportunities for the new Territorial Co-operation programme.

10Summary

COMET as the representative partnership of Local Authorities in the Metropolitan Region is broadly in agreement with the Draft National Strategic Reference Framework and the priorities and objectives therein. We recognise the need for economic reform with the enhancement and strengthening of the Private Sector as a key objective to deliver a more flexible and competitive economy. Issues of productivity need to be addresses and skills development needs to be a cornerstone of a more dynamic workforce. Although this position paper represents a collective , initial Comet response, appendices one – three outline additional comments provided by individual councils with respect to their own strategic priorities.

RPA will create opportunities to deliver a more holistic and coherent response to most of these issues, the new Local Authorities should have the ability to shape local delivery and ensure accountability.

We have also indicated other areas for consideration, examining a more outward looking region and the relationship of other EU funds such as Territorial Co-operation and how this could complement the ERDF and ESF Programmes. Tourism and the Rural Economy are also an important facet for potential development. Community Wellbeing is another important area through RPA and Local Authorities will have a major role in creating sustainable communities.

This response is by no means exhaustive we would welcome any further opportunities for further consultation in all or detailed aspects of this submission.

Response from Western Economic Strategy Team (WEST)

Received 17 May 2006

17 May 2006

Mr Rufus Rottenberg

Regional European Funds Directorate

Department of Trade and Industry

Bay 1122

1 Victoria Street

London SW1H 0ET

Dear Mr Rottenberg

1RE: RESPONSE TO NATIONAL STRATEGIC REFERENCE FRAMEWORK

Please find enclosed response to Government’s draft National Strategic Reference Framework made on behalf of the Western Economic Strategy Team (WEST).

The Western Economic Strategy Team, comprising the District Councils of Tyrone and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, welcomes the opportunity to respond.

While the response does address general issues within the document, it focuses on areas of particular interest to the western sub-regional area of Northern Ireland.

I trust our comments are helpful and will be taken on board.

Yours sincerely

______

MICHAEL McGUCKIN

Acting Chairman

Shadow Western Economic Strategy Team (WEST) Joint Committee

(on behalf of the District Councils of Cookstown, Dungannon &

South Tyrone, Fermanagh, Omagh and Strabane)

WESTERN ECONOMIC STRATEGY TEAM

RESPONSE ON THE UK GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT NATIONAL STRATEGIC REFERENCE FRAMEWORK

2INTRODUCTION

The UK Government is currently seeking views on the draft National Strategic Framework which will establish the broad priorities for future Structural Funds Programmes in the UK 2007 –2013.

This response has been collated following discussions with officer-level representatives of the Western Economic Strategy Team (WEST). While it does address general issues within the document, it focuses on areas of particular interest to the western sub-regional area.

3BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS

The EU Structural Funds are the second largest item of EU expenditure and are used to promote regional development and employment across the EU.

While the 2007-2013 Structural Funds will cover three objectives – Convergence, Competitiveness and Employment and Territorial Co-Operation, Northern Ireland is eligible for funding under the Competitiveness and Employment and Territorial Co-Operation objectives. The draft National Strategic Reference Framework document only considers the Competitiveness and Employment objective.

75% of the Competitiveness and Employment Funding must be focussed on activities to support the Lisbon Agenda.

4CONTEXT OF RESPONSE - WESTERN ECONOMIC STRATEGY TEAM

The Western Economic Strategy Team, (formerly Innovation West) which comprises the District Councils of Tyrone and Fermanagh (Cookstown, Dungannon and South Tyrone, Omagh, Strabane and Fermanagh) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the draft National Strategic Reference Framework.

Innovation West was established some years ago with the primary aim of stimulating innovative activities within SMEs in order to improve their overall competitiveness and enhance their growth prospects.

The consortium has a strong and long track record in implementing and delivering numerous innovation programmes to SMEs in Tyrone and Fermanagh since its inception. Most recently, in the 2000-2006 EU Structural Funds round under the Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme a series of collaborative projects, totalling in the region of £220,000, were developed and successfully delivered.

In addition the organisation has worked in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland to address the distinct problems experienced by the region including poor infrastructure, including roads and ICT, low population density, higher than average levels of unemployment and a low manufacturing base.

Recently Innovation West formalised its structures by forming a joint committee and has been renamed the ‘Western Economic Strategy Team’ (WEST). The new organisation has become more strategic in its nature in areas such as lobbying central government, proactively responding to new economic challenges, bidding for infrastructural investment and collaboration with other regions.

A Strategy and Action Plan for 2006-2008 has been drawn up with the aim of promoting greater co-ordination and cohesion amongst economic support agencies in the western sub-region and to strategically position the region as a place to do business.

The organisation will also be proactively working in partnership with key economic development stakeholders in the area in advance of the implementation of the Review of Public Administration in Northern Ireland.

GENERAL COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT UK NATIONAL STRATEGIC REFERENCE FRAMEWORK

Question 1: Do respondents agree with the assessment in the draft National Strategic Reference Framework of the economic strengths and weaknesses of the UK’s nations and regions?

Question 2: Do respondents agree with the proposed priorities for future Convergence and Competitiveness Programmes in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar?

Question 3: Do respondents agree that the proposed priorities include a sufficient focus on the Lisbon Agenda?

Question 4: Do respondents agree with the proposals in the National Strategic Reference Framework for ensuring consistency between Structural Funds Programmes and other EU policies and funding streams, in particular spending under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Fisheries Fund?

WEST generally agrees with activities being focussed on the Lisbon Agenda but is concerned that a gap exists in relation to infrastructure and regeneration needs. It is strongly advocated, therefore that these needs, particularly in the west of Northern Ireland are addressed in the new funding round.

A strong/key role must be given to Local Government in the delivery/monitoring of programmes in light of the forthcoming Review of Public Administration in Northern Ireland. At present there is a plethora of delivery agents which can contribute to some of the confusion over previous EU funding and dilution of activity on the ground due to administration. Council structures will be well placed in the future to undertake the delivery through an accountable and transparent process supported by community planning.

In light of the above, WEST would urge the Government to engage with Councils’ sub-regional and local partnerships on the delivery of EU funding in Northern Ireland and to build on the successes of these groups to date.

At a Northern Ireland level, the economic strengths/weaknesses of the region need to take account of the east-west split in Northern Ireland and the past and current disparities that exist in relation to productivity, enterprise, knowledge and innovation, transport and infrastructure, skills, and employment. Northern Ireland is not one homogenous region with similar problems requiring a ‘one size fits all’ approach and the western sub-regional area of the Province possesses its own issues including:

a)Its peripheral and dispersed rural location

b)A strong dependency on the agricultural sector which is currently shrinking

c)Western sub-regional area ranked in the top 11 most deprived Local Government Districts in Northern Ireland in terms of the multiple deprivation measure

d)Higher than average unemployment levels compared to other parts of NI

e)Need for infrastructure investment in both roads and telecommunications

f)Low manufacturing

g)Little or no foreign direct investment

h)Plethora of small businesses/high dependence on SMEs

i)Below average employment in the public sector (with the exception of Omagh)

j)Average weekly earnings below the Northern Ireland average

The number of migrant workers seeking employment is also a key feature in the west of the region. It is important that future EU measures seek to support the mobility of labour across Europe not only in pure economic terms but also for the social and cultural development that complements it.

We would stress the need for flexibility in the allocation of funding, and would strongly urge for a needs-based approach. Northern Ireland is in a peripheral location with higher than UK average energy and transportation costs which have an impact on the competitiveness of a region. Because of the high cost of living and high poverty levels, regional and sub-regional disparities need to be considered.

WEST strongly feels that the number of projects funded under the new round of Structural Funds should be minimised, not only to ensure easier monitoring and control, but, as past experience has revealed, larger projects often have more impact.