“Necessary provision will be ringfenced and is provided for in the unallocated reserve in the plan.”

The Irish government Finance Minister Brian Cowen has announced that his government is proposing five specific cross-border funds, covering: “education, skills and innovation; energy research including renewable and sustainable energy; regional development; tourism development; poverty, social inclusion and community infrastructure.” Although it’s not all new money, and despite the suggestion in the lead paragraph from the linked report, it probably isn’t actually dependent on a restored assembly. Notably there is already a fund for energy research including renewable and sustainable energyFrom the PA report

The Irish Finance Minister revealed: “With regard to the concept of all-island funding, the Irish government proposes to develop all-island funding in the following areas: education, skills and innovation; energy research including renewable and sustainable energy; regional development; tourism development; poverty, social inclusion and community infrastructure.

“In some cases, these National Development Plan proposals involve more effective use of existing funding on an all-island basis. Other projects will involve a significant investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish government.

“Necessary provision will be ringfenced and is provided for in the unallocated reserve in the plan.

“The details will be finalised in discussion with the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive on restoration.”

Or, presumably, in the absence of an Executive, just with the British government?

Pete Baker