These stockshots are being released to show the contribution made by EU Structural funds to infrastructural development in Ireland. Until 1999 the entire country, including Northern Ireland, was eligible for Objective 1 funding (regions whose GDP was less than 75% of the EU average). However, the development of the Irish economy means the GDP is now 117% and expected to be 120% of the EU average by 2001. For the new period, 2000 to 2006, only half of the Republic's counties (the new Border, Midland and western Region) will receive full Objective I funding, while the other 13 counties (Southern and Eastern Region) and all of Northern Ireland are areas in transition where Objective 1 funds will be phased out by 2005. For the Period 1994-99, Ireland received 5,8 billion Euros. For 2000-2006, the amount is 3.2 billion Euros.