Launch of Second Call of the NI European Social Fund Programme

The Department for the Economy has formally launched the Second Call of the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020.

The Department, as the Managing Authority for the European Social Fund (ESF) in Northern Ireland and the European Commission will provide £115m grant assistance to 68 projects over a four year period from April 2018 to March 2022.

Pictured are L-R Heather Cousins, Department for the Economy, David Babington, Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme Monitoring Committee, Marc Vermyle, European Commission and Susan Fleming, European Commission.

The Department for the Economy today formally launched the Second Call of the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020.

The Department, as the Managing Authority for the European Social Fund (ESF) in Northern Ireland and the European Commission will provide £115m grant assistance to 68 projects over a four year period from April 2018 to March 2022.

This investment in ESF projects across Northern Ireland will provide support to 50,000 people to learn new skills and access employment opportunities.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Permanent Secretary, Heather Cousins said:

“The nucleus of our economic vision must focus on human capital. This means harnessing the creativity and potential of all as well as improving the skills and employment levels of everyone.

"ESF supported projects are helping to address inequalities and ensure greater social inclusion, to provide real opportunities to individuals to ultimately achieve meaningful and sustained employment.”

The programme funds activity to enhance and extend employment opportunities for those who are unemployed, including long term unemployed, or economically inactive.

There is also be a focus on supporting young people aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training and on people with a disability.

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office on 028 9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 028 9037 8810 and your call will be returned.
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