1. Mid-Term Evaluation of the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit Department of Finance - Nov 2010 Msc. Economic Policy Studies, EC8011, 2 December 2011 Kate O’Reilly Student No. 10263809 Maria Murray Student No 10260626

2. 2 Introduction Evaluation question Key Steps Methodology used Evaluation conclusions & recommendations Overall opinion

3. Border, Midland and Western Region 3

4. What is the BMW regional OP To ensure projects co-financed by the EU are properly implemented Promotes regional policy and research initiatives. 4

5. Evaluation Objective To improve quality effectiveness. To provide an independent analysis of progress under the BMW regional OP. To make appropriate recommendations for programme adjustments. 5

6. Overview These objectives are to be achieved by focusing and concentrating resources on three broad priority areas, as follows: Priority 1 - Innovation, ICT and the Knowledge Economy; Priority 2 - Environment and Risk Prevention; Priority 3 - Urban Development and Secondary Transport Networks. 6

7. Key Steps Review of External Developments Continued relevance of programme objectives Effectiveness progress to date Programme management and efficiency Indicators Conclusions/Recommendations 7

8. Methodology Data Gathering –WP A-Review of progress and constraints. –WP B- Assessment of reporting of Horizontal principles and indicators. –WP C- OP management and monitoring, indicators selection criteria. * desk and non-desk based research –WP D- Review of external developments *exclusively desk based. 8

9. Methodology Analysis –WP E contribution to Lisbon and Gothenburg goals and N/S coop –WP F continued validity relevance, likelihood of meeting physical and financial obj. *draws on data gathered and reviewed Reporting 9

10. Progress Reports Financial Progress Priority 1 –45% of the allocation spent –confident allocated expenditure will be used Priority 2 –25% of the allocation spent –Lowest percentage spend of the priorities –Potential to spend 80% of allocation, dependent on the Ocean Energy test project Priority 3- –90% of the allocation spent –Certain to achieve and exceed expenditure. 10

11. Progress Report Non-Financial Progress Contribution to North/South co-operation “…..to facilitate where possible greater co-operation between communities, institutions and enterprises on both parts of the island” Progress supported by – 1.Micro-Enterprise- Innovation and entrepreneurship-. –CEBs, Trade links; Peace II(EU) etc 2.PRTLI –16 new all island projects, 5 of which are BMW related 11

12. Progress Report 3. Sustainable energy –Sustainable energy working group –Community projects – Newry & Dundalk –All island Annual Energy Awards 4. The gateway and hub fund –3 regeneration projects (Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo & Louth) –1 infrastructure project (Cavan Eastern Access route) –1 arts & cultural project (Sligo) 12

13. Progress Report 13 Project Management Alignment with EU goals Priority 1 Innovation, ICT & Knowledge Economy -Good overall Mgt -Complex Admin Structure - Performing well Priority 2 Environment & Risk prevention -Good Monitoring - Lack of progress in some areas -Underperforming Priority 3 Urban Development -Good Mgt - Good working relationships - Good progress

14. Conclusions Performance Indicators Too high level to capture the complexity of the given priorities Sub-theme priorities require clearer explanation Horizontal Principles high-level, the objective of the HP not captured Lack of understanding of report expectations Monitoring & Administration is positive 14

15. Recommendations Performance Indicators PI should be expanded for Priority 2 in order to capture the complexity its objective Horizontal Principles Clearer specification of Horizontal Principles PI’s for HPs need to be developed 15

16. Recommendations Re-allocation of funding Reduce allocation to Priority 2 by €15M (€75M to €60m) Reduce Priority 4 (Technical assistance) by €0.5 (€4.5m to €4m) Increase allocation to Priority 1 by €5m (€200m to €205m) Increase allocation to Priority 3 by €10.5m ( €178m to €188.5) 16

17. Overall Opinion Detailed evaluation Balanced evaluation Constructive evidence based suggestions. 17