Evaluation of EU funded infrastructure

How has EU funding been used to invest in infrastructure?

In total it is estimated that just over £800m of EU funding has been invested in infrastructure in Wales over the two programmes, on projects with a total value of £1.8bn.  This includes:

• £299m in transport infrastructure
• £142m in sites and premises
• £139m in research and innovation infrastructure
• £85m in digital infrastructure
• £80m in tourism infrastructure
• £53m in learning infrastructure

This investment has been widely distributed across Wales, but with particular concentrations in a number of local authority areas, including Swansea (£113m), Neath Port Talbot (£78m), Gwynedd (£59m) and Pembrokeshire (£40m)

How is EU funded infrastructure being used?

Overall the research has found that a high proportion of EU funded infrastructure is still being used for its original purpose.  However, there are also examples of investment in infrastructure that did not generate the benefits that were intended. 

How is EU funded infrastructure being maintained?

Overall it appears that the EU funded infrastructure is still in a good condition and there are a number of examples of where infrastructure has received further investment. The vast majority of facilities are still owned and maintained by the original grant recipient.  These organisations have put in place a wide range of measures to ensure that infrastructure is maintained to a high standard.