Brussels, 28/11/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Michel Barnier has signed two operational programmes for aid under "Objective 1" in Ireland. These two documents define the priority sectors and projects that will benefit, in the regions of Border Midland and Western and Southern and Eastern, aid to regions lagging behind in development from 2000 to 2006. These priorities are: local infrastructures (secondary roads, water…), the development of local enterprise, rural development, as well as the improvement and diversification of childcare. A 2.16 billion euro envelope has been included in the Community budget for Objective 1 assistance in Ireland for the period 2000-2006. The Irish authorities should provide 1.59 billion, and the private sector 1.58. Four other operational programmes for Ireland still need adopting.