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Irish MEP Billy Kelleher says the Irish Government needs to request an extension of BAR for applicants to have time to spend their allocation
Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher has said it may be necessary for the Irish Government to request an extension to the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) to provide Irish applicants with enough time to spend their allocation.
Kelleher was speaking after being contacted by at least three different enterprises over the past number of months who have expressed concern that they may not be able to spend the allocation in the required timeframe.
“Ireland is the single largest beneficiary of the BAR with funding of over €920 million being allocated between 2021 and 2023. It’s an incredible useful fund to support businesses who have been materially affected by Brexit, and to enable some of them to diversify away.
“Many companies in coastal Ireland have applied, and have been successful and their application for funding under BAR. These communities have suffered due to longstanding fisheries policies, which Brexit made even worse. BAR is a chance for them for a fresh start. The incredibly tight time frames are putting their new enterprises and activities under threat.
“From discussions with my colleagues and the European Parliament, I am led to believe that other member states would welcome an extension. They too have enterprises that are struggling to meet the timelines.
“I have been in touch with the Minister for Agriculture and Marine, Charlie McConalogue requesting that the Irish government consider requesting an extension from the European commission.
“We cannot leave any more on the table. It’s too important to enterprises and the communities who have been badly hit by Brexit,” states Kelleher.
The MEP says anybody approved for a BAR allocation and is having difficulty drawing down payment or meeting timelines should contact him, and he will raise the concern with the Government.
Source: Press Release
