Brussels, 11/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is funding an irrigation project in Reunion, and a broadband internet project in Wales. These projects will enable the revitalisation of the local economies.
On 7 March, the European Commission approved co-financing up to €70 million through the ERDF for the irrigation of the west coast of Reunion island. The project is due to be accomplished in 2015. The land to be irrigated covers 7,500 hectares, which will enable the agricultural sector to be developed in the west of the island and will meet the drinking water needs of the inhabitants of the 5 towns of the region. European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn was delighted, saying that “this represents the last step of a very important project for Reunion. It is important for creating jobs, for improving the inhabitants' quality of life and especially for agricultural activity (…) This is also a project which contributes to the protection of the environment which is so precious in this region.”
The same day, the Commission also gave the green light to the ERDF's financing of a €100 million broadband project in the west of Wales. Hahn stated that “this initiative in particular will allow Wales to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy. This is a perfect example of how regional policy can help Europe's recovery (…) Providing fast and reliable access to the internet will play a vital role in helping regions in their economic development.” (MD/transl.fl)