Government sources have confirmed that the Cabinet is to consider establishing a new two-part regional authority structure to administer European Union funding from next year. The Government hopes the plan will help convince the European Commission that up to fifteen counties, including Kerry and Clare, should qualify for the top level of EU aid, known as objective one status.
It is expected that the proposal to set up the new structure will be considered by the cabinet next week. However, the Labour Party's Environment spokesman, Eamon Gilmore, has accused the Coalition of engaging in instant form of regionalisation to acquire EU funding. Speaking on RTE Radio, Mr Gilmore also accused the Government of taking the worst form of short-term approach.
