‘Communicating Europe Funding Opportunities for Galway Groups’
Galway voluntary, community and NGO groups should consider applying for funding under the Department of An Taoiseach’s ‘Communicating Europe Initiative’ which is being launched this week.
Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Seán Kyne commented: “Oireachtas Committees regularly hear from various Government department officials on the preparations for the many EU proposals which are under consideration. As a member of both the Oireachtas European Union Affairs Committee and the Oireachtas Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Committee, I have seen the volume of legislation, programmes and initiatives which originate at EU level and have a direct impact on everyday life in Galway and nationally.
“In addition to hosting the Presidency of the EU for the first six months of this year, we are celebrating 40 years since Ireland joined the European Union. Since joining, we have benefited in a number of ways, such as gaining access to new markets for our growing export sector, support for our farming communities and financial assistance to build new roads and public transport infrastructure. Adopting new standards in social protection and labour law has also helped make Ireland a fairer and more equal place to work and live.”
“Given the pervasiveness of EU legislation it’s vital that we inform ourselves on the workings of the EU so that we can shape the EU’s initiatives and policies as well as actively engaging in the debate on the future of Europe.
“I am encouraging all voluntary organisations, education bodies and civil groups to submit proposals to the Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) for funding of projects aimed at increasing public awareness about the role that the EU plays in our daily lives. Proposals will be assessed under the following criteria:
* events which promote public conversations and debate – at local or national level
* cultural and media projects that explain Ireland in Europe and Europe in Ireland- at local or national level
* projects or events designed to celebrate the European Year of Citizens
* events that celebrate Europe Day on Thursday 9 May.
“The closing date for funding applications is Friday 15th February 2013. Applications can be made via the Government’s EU Presidency website – www.eu2013.ie,” concluded Deputy Kyne.