The Cross Border Territorial Co-operation Programme for Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland (known as Interreg IV) is the new European Union supported Structural Funds Programme which seeks to address the economic and social problems which result from the existence of the borders.

Building on the successes and lessons of previous Interreg Programme the Interreg IV Programme aims to support strategic cross-border co-operation for a more prosperous cross border region and improve access to services so as to enhance the quality of life for those living in the eligible area. In particular the Programme will focus on developing a dynamic economy, supporting infrastructure and promoting innovative ways of addressing specific cross-border problems.

A distinctive aspect of this programme is the inclusion of Western Scotland, and the opportunity to promote co-operation between Scotland / Ireland / Northern Ireland, as well as continuing and enhancing the Northern Ireland / Ireland co-operation. The inclusion of Scotland gives an opportunity to build on the traditional cultural, economic and social links between Ireland/Scotland/Northern Ireland, and adds an innovative new aspect to the Programme.

Building on the lessons from INTERREG III this overall aim translates into two specific aims at Priority level:

• Priority 1: Co-operation for a more prosperous region:

this priority aims to diversify and develop the economy of the eligible region by encouraging innovation and competitiveness in enterprise and business development, and promoting tourism;

Priority 1 has an indicative budget of €60m - €105m

• Priority 2: Co-operation for a sustainable cross-border region:

this priority aims to support activities that promote cross-border co-operation in policy development and improve access to services so as to improve the quality for those living in the eligible area.

Priority 2 has an indicative budget of €75m - €115m

Overall Structure of the INTERREG IV Programme 2007 - 2013: