Archives: November 2008

€20 million is available for the 2009 call under the “ICT” and “Energy” themes of FP7 Cooperation, which aim to improve the competitiveness of European industry and to shape the future development of ICT as well as adapting the current energy system into a more sustainable one, less dependent on imported fuels and instead based on a diverse mix of energy sources. Collaborative projects on novel ICT solutions for Smart Electricity Distribution Networks are sought.
Deadline: 31 March.
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.FP7DetailsCallPage&call_id=186

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs announced the funding allocations under Axes 3 and 4 of the new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 on 4 November. In what is by far the largest ever support package for this type of action, funding of EUR425.4 million (55% from the EU) will be provided towards activities to stimulate economic vitality and social well-being across all areas of Ireland not designated as gateways or hubs under the National Spatial Strategy.

The focus of Axis 3 is on quality of life and diversification into non-agricultural activities. Though complementary to on-farm measures under the programme, its actions are centred on the wider rural community including the need to provide alternative and suitable employment opportunities and the range of services that people living in rural areas need and expect. These challenges are to be addressed through support for the development of rural enterprises based on local natural resources, service provision, tourism and recreational activities, village enhancement, environmental initiatives, conservation and upgrading of rural heritage, and training.

The funding will be delivered to community groups and individuals using the well-established LEADER methodology through 36 integrated Local Action Groups (LAGS) established under Axis 4. While many of these retain their identities from previous rounds of the LEADER programmes, a certain amount of rationalisation has taken place to create more structures to operate at a ‘county-level’ where appropriate.

The list of LAGs and their allocations is available at:
http://www.pobail.ie/en/PressReleases/htmltext,9566,en.html

As part of society and the economy's move from unsustainable patterns of development to sustainable consumption
and production (SCP) the SWITCH ASIA programme has launched its second call. SCP reconciles consideration of demand side issues (consumer behaviour and choices in use of goods and services) with the supply side (economic, social and environmental life cycle impacts of production processes).

SWITCH will grant aid partnerships involving EU and Asian non-profit making organisations with an ability to reach out to large numbers of SMEs, business intermediaries or consumer groups and with interests in pursuing sustainable development through (for example) the use of environmentally friendly technologies and practices; developing and applying effective economic instruments. SMEs should be selected from sectors or industrial areas that substantially contribute to overall water and air pollution and/or are resource intensive. As well as sustainable growth, the programme also emphasises objectives of corporate social responsibility and decent working Conditions.

Deadline: 27 February 2009
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/asia/regionalcooperation/environment/switch_en.htm

The European Commission has launched a call for proposals to award grants to actions in support of the development of sustainable mobility policy for urban agglomerations. Actions should test and assess measures which can significantly contribute to promoting the objectives set out in the 2007 Green Paper 'Towards a
new culture for urban mobility': more fluid and less polluted towns and cities; more intelligent and more accessible urban transport; and safer and more secure urban transport. They should also contribute to the implementation of the forthcoming Action Plan on urban mobility.

Possible areas of activity include good practice in demand-responsive transport for passengers (seamless traffic chains, integrating private and public travel in urban and peri-urban areas, including possible links to land-use and urban mobility planning); safe walking/cycling; and systems of access to green areas (including interoperable technological tools and public information provision). Where possible, actions should add value to and incorporate experiences gained from activities financed under Community programmes such as STEER and CIVITAS. The total budget is EUR5 million.

Deadline: 31 March 2009
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy_transport/grants/proposal_en.htm