Opportunities for
Northern Ireland
Under the
Northern Periphery
Programme
Northern Ireland Profile
Geographical area of 14,160 km2
584 km2 of inland water
499 km of land border
Coastal border with Atlantic Ocean and
Irish sea
Population: 1,710,322 (2004)
Economy
2002 - NI GDP 93% of EU25 average (UK
118%, RoI, 133%)
NI
Unemployment rate 2000 – 6.9%
2005 – 4.9%
EU25
8.6%
8.7%
28% Working age economic inactivity
Gross weekly household income 9%
below UK average
Economy (continued)
2000-05
Manufacturing jobs
decreased by 16%
Service sector
increased by 13%
2005
Service sector accounted
for 79% of all jobs
2000
1.48m visitors to NI
2004&05 1.9m + visitors to NI
Rural Sparsity
16% of population live in Belfast City
Council Area
62% of population live in Greater Belfast
area (East of Northern Ireland)
Rest of eligible area therefore more
sparsely populated (38%)
Impact on provision of infrastructure,
facilities, transport access in rural areas
Challenges and Opportunities
Dependence on agriculture but small
farm size and declining farm incomes
High industrial and domestic energy
costs
Increasing workforce while declining in
other parts of EU
Public sector dependence
Challenges and Opportunities
Many well educated school leavers and
graduates but youth migration
Increased stability from peace process
creating opportunities eg inward
investment, business creation especially
in knowledge sectors
Potential Activities Under NPP
Supporting rural economy and
infrastructure
Developing Environmental practices and
awareness
Maritime development
Tourism
Rural Economy and Infrastructure
Increase uptake of broadband and
telecommunications technology
Encourage use of ICT among SMEs and
rural enterprises
Enhance rural community capacity and
community planning
Develop marketing capabilities
Supporting business expansion, SMEs,
micro businesses
Environmental Practices and
Awareness
Development and promotion of:
alternative and renewable energy
sources
waste management technology
river catchment management
crop science
Maritime Development
Maintenance and enhancement of maritime
borders and access points
Installation of coastal moorings
Maritime tourist development
Maritime spatial planning
Tourism
Supporting ongoing efforts to build on
increased tourism Eg Causeway Coast and
Glens Tourism Master Plan
Maritime tourism opportunities
Benchmarking/ sharing of best practice
Cultural and heritage programmes and
exchanges
Conclusion
In 2000-06 main involvement has been
with INTERREG IIIA Ireland/ Northern
Ireland programme: €183m
Cooperation Objective provides
opportunity to increase involvement in
transnational activities
Cross-border capacity a potential asset
for future transnational cooperation