European Parliament : EPIO Dublin

The EPIO Dublin and member of the European Parliament's Economic Committee, Brian Hayes, held a stakeholder consultation in Dublin (Friday 15th January) with leaders from a cross section of Irish society to update them on the EU investment plan, known as the Juncker Plan.

The consultation in cooperation with the European Commission happened (Friday), 15th January, at 11 am in the offices of the European Parliament at 12-14 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. Participants representing a broad range of stakeholders took part; these included ESRI, HEA, EPA, DDDA, Bord Gáis Energy, NTMA, UCD, Dublin Bus, DLIADT, BPFI, ISME, Iarnród Éireann, The Wheel, Dublin City Council, Fingal Dublin Chamber, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB, Waterways Ireland, DCU, South Dublin County Council, IBEC, Education and Training Boards Ireland, Institutes of Technology Ireland, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, NESC, Construction Industry Federation, Fingal County Council, ESB Networks, IDA Ireland, Eirgrid PLC, Chambers Ireland, SSE Airtricity.
Following the meeting Brian Hayes said 'With €315 billion potential financing available, the Juncker Plan will touch every sector of Irish society. We know what this type of investment can look like. The LUAS cross city and the Grangegorman campus for DIT are examples of what European funding can do. Everyone agrees - more investment leads to more jobs, higher economic growth and better services across the continent.'
'After the financial crash of 2008 investment across Europe dried up. This plan focuses on removing obstacles to investment, providing visibility and technical assistance to investment projects and making smarter use of new and existing financial resources. To achieve these goals, across Europe, the plan centres on mobilising investments of at least €315 billion up to 2017.'
'Investment will target infrastructure, notably broadband and energy networks, as well as transport infrastructure; education, research and innovation; and renewable energy and energy efficiency. Funding will be channelled to viable projects, with a real added value for the European social market economy.'
'Today's consultation with sectors from energy to education and corporate to charitable is a vital part of the process. I'm gathering the views of Irish stakeholders on the Investment Plan and especially views on the priority areas for investment in Ireland. I intend using the results of the consultation for input to the European Parliament's Economic committee, of which I am a member.'

Notes to the Editor:
• The Investment Plan for Europe known as the 'Juncker Plan' is an ambitious infrastructure investment programme, it aims at unlocking public and private investments in the 'real economy' of at least € 315 billion over a three year fiscal period up to the end of 2017.