European Investment Bank money may end up supporting fracking in Greater Manchester.

SALFORD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: Environmental campaigners take part in a protest march near to the IGas Barton Moss fracking exploration rig on January 26, 2014 in Salford, England. Environmental protestors and anti gas fracking campaigners from across Britain marched to the Barton Moss gas exploration site run by Energy company IGas from Salford City Stadium. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

On 19th October MCFly wrote to Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which will be overseeing some “European Structural Investment Funds” for Greater Manchester.  Greater Manchester is planning to set up a “Fund of Funds structure with two sub-funds operating beneath; one supporting Urban Development projects and one supporting Low Carbon projects.”   Here’s the full text

Subject: ESIF parameters
I am writing to find out if there is anything in the terms and conditions for the Proposed Financial Instruments of the ESIF

Priority Axis 1: Promoting Research and Innovation
Priority Axis 3: Enhancing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Priority 4: Supporting the Shift Towards a Low Carbon Economy in All Sectors
Priority 6: Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency

that *rule out* applications for financial support for fracking in Greater Manchester.

Yours sincerely

Marc Hudson

This afternoon I received this reply

Dear Mr Hudson,

Thank you for your enquiry about the proposed ESIF Financial Instruments in Greater Manchester, and apologies for the delay in replying to you – I have been out of the office for a week. I can confirm that there is nothing in the regulations which would specifically rule out applications for financial support for fracking in Greater Manchester.

Regards
Alison Gordon

h/t to LS for the pointer.