Transnational & Inter-Territorial Cooperation Between Rural

AreasStrategic Importance of Cross Border Cooperation

Martin McDonaldRural Network for Northern Ireland

1www.nrn.ie

UK National Rural Network

• Over 110 Local Action Groups

Northern Ireland • 7 Local Action

Groups– Social Partners– Elected

Representatives

• Local Government Framework– 7 Joint Council

Committees

Cross Border Cooperation between Northern Ireland and Ireland

Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK

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• Why cross border cooperation is a good place to start

• What the benefits are

• Practicalities of developing a cross border project

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What is a Cooperation Project?

• Joint Action

• 2 or more LAGs

• Mutual Benefit

• Fit with the strategies of LAGS

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Result in......................

• Added value

• Boost their local activities

• Resolve certain problems

• Add value to local resources

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Why is Cross Border a good place to start?

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The issues normally associated with such actionsdo not apply:-

• Common language• Shared geography• Similar industry base• Proximity/Ease of travel • Existing relationships• Settlement sizes• Similar issues/challenges/opportunities

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Benefits

• Gaining access to new ideas, by learning from others as well as sharing and discussing your own ideas and developments with transnational partners

• Raising the profile of your LAG and region• Increasing your understanding of policy

developments and that of other key partners• Acquiring new skills and competences especially in

the delivery of the programme• Developing information and contacts

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Practicalities of developing a cross border cooperation project

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2 Stages to Cooperation

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2 Stages to Cooperation

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Lessons from LEADER +

• Be prepared: make sure you understand a common language and appreciate cultural differences

• Take time to explore the project idea and understand what is involved: take advantage of any funds for preparatory work

• Don’t underestimate the time needed to do certain things

• Be aware of technical (programming) differences with regard to national procedures and timing!

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Lessons from LEADER +

• Have a very clear structure and clear responsibilities between the different partners – leading LAG very important if more than 2 partners

• Don’t set too ambitious targets – projects can be done in phases

• Don’t reinvent the wheel! Look to see what is already being done in similar areas; on similar themes, and with similar tools to achieve similar aims

• Rural Networks, websites, seminars - all provide ideas and help – use these to find good ideas that you can turn into great ideas

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17 Loy Street, Cookstown,Co. TyroneBT80 8PZ

Northern IrelandTelephone: +44 (0) 28 8676 6980

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