New information service – www.europeforcitizens.ie – launched to highlight funding
Minister for European Affairs, Dara Murphy TD, today highlighted the significant EU funding opportunities available to civil society groups and citizens’ organisations in Ireland under the Europe for Citizens programme. Minister Murphy was speaking at Government Buildings where he joined Deirdre Garvey, CEO of The Wheel, Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, and former President of the European Parliament Pat Cox, to officially launch a new information service, www.europeforcitizens.ie, to raise awareness of the funding opportunity.
Under the Europe for Citizens programme, a total of €186 million in funding is available to citizens’ organisations and civil society groups across the EU, for projects and activities that encourage democratic participation and civic participation in the EU, and that focus on Europe as a peace project.
In Ireland, the new information service to promote the programme is being operated by The Wheel, as the National Contact Point, with funding for the service provided by the Department of the Taoiseach and the European Commission.
Speaking at the launch event Minister Murphy said:
“I’m delighted to launch this new information service to highlight the funding opportunities available under the Europe for Citizens programme and I want to encourage NGOs, civil society and citizens’ groups, local authorities and all eligible organisations right across the country to come forward with project proposals for participation in the programme.”
“I congratulate The Wheel on its recent appointment as the Irish National Contact Point for the programme, and look forward to working with the organisation to continue to raise awareness of the programme.”
“The ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme has an EU-wide budget of €186m to 2020 and support is available for a wide range of activities including civil society projects, debates and cooperation events, town twinning, networks of towns, and for EU-wide organisations promoting shared objectives.”
“Promoting public awareness about Ireland’s role in, and relationship with, the European Union is a priority of mine and of the Government. Through active promotion of the opportunities which are available under the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme, The Wheel can contribute in a real and lasting way to this objective.”
ENDS