MEP VISITS LARNE PARTNERSHIP
09 December 2005
Larne Local Strategy Partnership (LLSP) has hosted a fact-finding visit by Jim Allister QC, one of Northern Ireland’s three members of the European Parliament.
During his meeting with partnership members, Mr Allister was briefed on how EU Peace II Funding has been spent in Larne.
The Larne LSP also discussed with the MEP potential opportunities to attract other EU Funding to Larne to support community and economic development.
Under the EU Peace II programme, Larne LSP has been over-subscribed with applications. It has committed £760,000 of EU Funding to 36 projects across the Borough of Larne.
Currently the LSP is seeking applications under three programmes which close on 18 January and 28 February 2006.
Larne is among the top-performing LSPs in Northern Ireland in terms of EU funding allocation and spend.
“We welcome Jim Allister’s visit and the opportunity to update him on the work of the LSP. We are hopeful he will help secure a Peace III Programme and assist us to identify other funding opportunities for the Larne community”, said LSP Chairman, Geoffrey Kerr.
The EU Special Programmes Body has indicated that there is the potential for a “Peace III Programme”.
“I was delighted to visit Larne LSP today, not least because it has been one of the most successful LSP’s in Northern Ireland. It is important that Peace money leaves a lasting legacy. This is best achieved through producing economic outcomes. In Larne there has been notable achievement on this front. Often much of the work of LSP’s is unsung and unglamorous, but I for one appreciate the voluntary contribution made by those who keep bodies such as this going”.
said Jim Allister.
