The British presidency of the European Union has recommended that €200 million be allocated to peace and reconciliation funds for Northern Ireland, it was claimed today.
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brun said the move by the British government would see the funds spread over 2007 and 2013 and would again be available for projects in the North and Border counties.
The former Stormont Health Minister said: "The proposals represent a first indication that the British government is prepared to advocate €200 million in spending on EU Peace projects.
"Sinn Fein have been lobbying for a Peace III programme for several years. This work intensified following our entry to the European Parliament last year, with a round of meetings at the European Parliament and Commission.
"I and party President Gerry Adams met with the EU Commissioner for Regional Development, Danuta Hubner, in October and I also met with her earlier this year to personally make the case for continued funding for Peace and IFI funding.
"The matter has also been raised formally by Sinn Fein delegations with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern.
"Work still remains to be done to ensure a further round of Peace funding is secured, and it is imperative that the EU Council of Ministers ratify this proposal when they meet to finalise the Financial Perspectives later in the month."
The European Union has allocated almost €1 billion to community groups under two Peace and Reconciliation schemes negotiated by Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson and former MEPs, the Reverend Ian Paisley and John Hume.
The funds are awarded to community-based projects in Northern Ireland and the Border counties which promote reconciliation, stimulate social and economic renewal, upgrade local facilities and extend learning opportunities.
PA