Archives: October 2007

The first call for proposals and the finalised application package for the new EU LIFE+ Programme 2007-2013 have now been published.

LIFE is the EU’s main funding instrument for environmental policy and legislation. The new programme will focus on three components: nature and biodiversity, environment policy and governance and information and communication. The Programme has a budget of EUR 2.143 billion, of which EUR 187 is available for the first call. At least 50% will go to nature and biodiversity projects. The deadline for applications under this call is 30 November 2007.

Applications should be submitted to the national contact points, which will then forward the proposals to the Commission. Further details at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm

Contact point in Ireland: Mr Brian Earley, Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, tel: +353 1 888 2486, e-mail: brian.earley@environ.ie

Following approval of the Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) 2007-2013 by the European Commission on 28 September 2007, the first call for proposals was launched on October 5.

Applications are now invited that address the two priorities of the programme, which aim to address issues concerning sparse population and rurality with a special focus on innovation, the environment, accessibility and rural-urban links. The Programme area for the NPP has benefited from an extension for the period 2007-2013 to include rural Northern Ireland, 9 counties on the west coast of Ireland, the west coast of Norway and Dumfries & Galloway in Scotland. No specific budget allocation has been set for this first call, which has a deadline of 31 October 2007. Further details at: http://www.northernperiphery.net/2007/how-to-apply-g.asp

Irish Contact point: Michael O'Brien, Border Midland and Western Regional Assembly, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. Tel: (094) 9862970 E-mail: mobrien@bmwassembly.ie