€320m to boost research and innovation in border counties – Conlan

Fine Gael TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Sean Conlan has welcomed the launch of a €320 million investment package for the Border, Midland and Western Region backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

“While there has been a marked improvement in the national economy, there are still some areas, like the border counties, where the recovery is not being felt fully. The Government is supporting the Regional Enterprise Strategy to grow jobs in areas outside of Dublin and while that is very beneficial, funding such as the €320 million ERDF is also a major boost to the region.

“The €320 million which has been allocated will go towards strengthening research and innovation in the border region. This funding will help to improve ICT infrastructure, it will support SMEs, improve energy efficiency and support sustainable urban development.

“Another boost to local small businesses and entrepreneurs came today (Friday) with the announcement by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan that a public consultation will be carried out on tax barriers faced by SMEs and entrepreneurs.

“Minister Noonan also reiterated his commitment to start the process of reducing the gap between PAYE employees and the self- employed that arises primarily as a result of the PAYE tax credit.

“Every member of the Fine Gael parliamentary party has been meeting the small business community across Ireland over the last few months as part of Fine Gael’s Standing Up for Small Business campaign and we know that businesses feel their contribution to the economy is not fully recognised. In particular small businesses and the self-employed feel the discrepancy between the tax treatment of the employed and self-employed is unfair.

“It is vital that we do everything that we can to promote Monaghan and Cavan as destinations for business and development. I am very pleased that the Government had secured the €320 million ERDF for the Border Midlands and Western Region. I am also hopeful a review of tax barriers faced by SMEs will improve conditions for local businesses and for those trying to set up in border counties.”