Common use of Bottlenecks Clause in Contracts

Bottlenecks. The following bottlenecks were identified during the consultation processes, needs analyses and evaluations carried out in connection with the preparation of the OPs Research and innovation Capacity of HEIs throughout the region to access research funding up to the OECD average, generate R&D activity and commercialise R&D outputs was identified as a bottleneck. Other bottlenecks identified in the RTDI sphere were the quality of academic-industrial linkages and the limited resources available for business-based research and innovation. In 2014-2020, ESI funds will be invested in research and innovation programmes under Thematic Objective 1. ICT infrastructure Broadband availability, quality and speed particularly outside urban areas was identified as a significant bottleneck during the consultation processes and needs analyses carried out in connection with the preparation of the OPs. In 2014-2020, €75m of ESI funds will be invested in the provision of next generation broadband under Thematic Objective 2. SMEs The level of SME establishment and growth (in some sub-regions) including access to various forms of finance was identified as a bottleneck during the preparation of the OPs. Significant barriers exist for SMEs to overcome to be enabled to conduct business, therefore a sustained approach which builds upon the achievements of the 2007-2013 Operational Programmes initiatives remains a logical conclusion from the Needs Analysis. Further details on investment of ESI funds to address these issues will be outlined in the OPs. Promoting a low carbon economy Poor energy performance of the building stock, and social housing stock in particular, and the low level of provision of renewable energy relative to potential were the key issues identified during the consultation processes on the OPs. In 2014-2020, ESI funds will be invested in the retrofitting of social housing and energy efficiency measures in residential dwellings under Thematic Objective 4. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan sets out the planned trajectory for achieving the target across the electricity, heat and transport sub-sectors with 40% needed in electricity, 10% in transport and 12% in heating and cooling to meet Ireland’s overall 16% commitment. Environmental protection and resource efficiency A number of the submissions received through the public consultation processes highlight the need for investment on conservation measures, water management and infrastructure investment, promotion of the green economy, rehabilitation of contaminated sites, inland fisheries infrastructures and waste management measures. Availability of adequate water and waste-water treatment and distribution was identified as a bottleneck during the preparation of the OPs. Further details on investment of ESI funds to address these issues will be outlined in the OPs. Unemployment The 2014 NRP identified that while the main cause of unemployment in Ireland over the last six years has been on the demand side, significant supply-side issues have also arisen, particularly in relation to persons who had previously been employed in sectors worst affected by the recession. Education and training Significant steps have been taken to better align the content of education and training schemes so that they provide skills required in the expanding sectors. In particular, a fundamental reform of the Further Education and Training (FET) sector is currently taking place. The main elements of the FET reform are outlined below.  Establishment of Education and Training Boards  Establishment of SOLAS  Review of the Irish Apprenticeship System  Skillnets (a non-Governmental Agency tasked with the facilitation of work-based training and up-skilling Further information on these is contained in Ireland’s NRP 2014. Ireland’s ability to ensure investment in education, training, up skilling and lifelong learning is essential in preparing our current and future workforce for employment opportunities. Continued improvement in early school leaving rates and in access to third level education with a view to increasing participation and attainment levels is necessary. Enhancing equal access to lifelong learning and ensuring greater labour market relevance of such programmes is required to improve skills needs anticipation. EU funding should continue to be provided for these areas to assist in meeting national and EU objectives.

Bottlenecks. The following bottlenecks were identified during the consultation processes, needs analyses and evaluations carried out in connection with the preparation of the OPs Research and innovation Capacity of HEIs throughout the region to access research funding up to the OECD average, generate R&D activity and commercialise R&D outputs was identified as a bottleneck. Other bottlenecks identified in the RTDI sphere were the quality of academic-industrial linkages and the limited resources available for business-based research and innovation. In 2014-2020, ESI funds will be invested in research and innovation programmes under Thematic Objective 1. ICT infrastructure Broadband availability, quality and speed particularly outside urban areas was identified as a significant bottleneck during the consultation processes and needs analyses carried out in connection with the preparation of the OPs. In 2014-2020, €75m of ESI funds will be invested in the provision of next generation broadband under Thematic Objective 2. SMEs The level of SME establishment and growth (in some sub-regions) including access to various forms of finance was identified as a bottleneck during the preparation of the OPs. Significant barriers exist for SMEs to overcome to be enabled to conduct business, therefore a sustained approach which builds upon the achievements of the 2007-2013 Operational Programmes initiatives remains a logical conclusion from the Needs Analysis. Further details on investment of ESI funds to address these issues will be outlined in the OPs. Promoting a low carbon economy Poor energy performance of the building stock, and social housing stock in particular, and the low level of provision of renewable energy relative to potential were the key issues identified during the consultation processes on the OPs. In 2014-2020, ESI funds will be invested in the retrofitting of social housing and energy efficiency measures in residential dwellings under Thematic Objective 4. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan sets out the planned trajectory for achieving the target across the electricity, heat and transport sub-sectors with 40% needed in electricity, 10% in transport and 12% in heating and cooling to meet Ireland’s overall 16% commitment. Environmental protection and resource efficiency A number of the submissions received through the public consultation processes highlight the need for investment on conservation measures, water management and infrastructure investment, promotion of the green economy, rehabilitation of contaminated sites, inland fisheries infrastructures and waste management measures. Availability of adequate water and waste-water treatment and distribution was identified as a bottleneck during the preparation of the OPs. Further details on investment of ESI funds to address these issues will be outlined in the OPs. Unemployment The 2014 NRP identified that while the main cause of unemployment in Ireland over the last six years has been on the demand side, significant supply-side issues have also arisen, particularly in relation to persons who had previously been employed in sectors worst affected by the recession. Education and training Significant steps have been taken to better align the content of education and training schemes so that they provide skills required in the expanding sectors. In particular, a fundamental reform of the Further Education and Training (FET) sector is currently taking place. The main elements of the FET reform are outlined below.  • Establishment of Education and Training Boards  • Establishment of SOLAS  • Review of the Irish Apprenticeship System  • Skillnets (a non-Governmental Agency tasked with the facilitation of work-based training and up-skilling Further information on these is contained in Ireland’s NRP 2014. Ireland’s ability to ensure investment in education, training, up skilling and lifelong learning is essential in preparing our current and future workforce for employment opportunities. Continued improvement in early school leaving rates and in access to third level education with a view to increasing participation and attainment levels is necessary. Enhancing equal access to lifelong learning and ensuring greater labour market relevance of such programmes is required to improve skills needs anticipation. EU funding should continue to be provided for these areas to assist in meeting national and EU objectives.