About Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA)

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is one of three Regional Assemblies in the Republic of Ireland. We work with key stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development.

The Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) was established on 1st January 2015. The Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly was established in 1999, one of two Regional Assemblies established to give effect to the division of the country into two regions for EU Structural Funds purposes.

Under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 a number of changes were made to the regional structures in Ireland. The eight regional authorities were dissolved on 1st June 2014 and their functions and staff were transferred to the Regional Assemblies. Subsequently three Regional Assemblies were established on 1st January 2015 – the NWRA, the Eastern & Midlands Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly. Together the Regional Assemblies form a strong regional structure that strengthens the development of Ireland’s regions in a co-ordinated, strategic manner.

What we do

We live in a unique place with distinct communities and diverse landscapes. The NWRA endeavours to connect the strengths of the region, focusing on economic catchments, sectors, clusters and communities.

Part of the local government structure, the NWRA operates independently to provide a range of functions for the Region which include regional policy making, monitoring and oversight and promoting enhanced co-ordination in the Region. We have three inter-related functional areas, that can develop our region best.

1. BETTER PLACES

Policy making, monitoring / oversight and promoting enhanced co-ordination in our Region through the implementation of our Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.

2. COMPETITIVENESS

Optimise EU policy and funding instruments for regional / local development priorities.

3. COLLABORATION

Engage with innovative research partnerships and regional based networks to accelerate priorities identified in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.

Goals and Objectives

An overarching strategic objective of the Assembly is to prepare, make and implement the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) which links Project Ireland 2040 with local economic development and planning through oversight of Development Plans and Local Economic and Community Plans. Another key objective of the Assembly is as Managing Authority the preparation, delivery, monitoring and management of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programme 2021/2027.

The Assembly also has an important role in promoting and supporting balanced regional development through its role in the delivery of several European Territorial Co-operation (Interreg) EU funding programmes and securing EU funding for specific regional projects.

The NWRA has a record of innovative leadership in terms of setting the agendas to embrace modern demands for planning delivery and it is at the forefront in integrating spatial planning and economic development.

In addition to its planning and economic development functions the NWRA is an important conduit for interactions with government departments with respect to EU affairs. It provides the National Contact Point and First Level Control for a number of European Territorial Co-Operation Programmes and has over recent decades become a sought after international partner for many EU supported projects.

Our objectives are clear…

The Regional Assembly is intent on adopting international best practice in planning & development in order to create BETTER PLACES. Underpinning this approach is the commitment to enhancing COMPETITIVENESS through policies that build resilience and sustainability, working with our stakeholders to utilise EU & Exchequer funding. Achieving this will be done through a dedicated and principled approach to COLLABORATION.

The Regional Assembly has a vision to enhance our region’s competitiveness through ‘CONNECTING’ and building on our strengths. The Regional Assembly is playing a lead role in the success story of this region.

Location

The Headquarters of the NWRA is located in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon and we have a workforce of 26 people.

In this section

NWRA Region

The NWRA covers eight counties – Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo and Cavan.

Members

Membership of the NWRA is drawn from elected members across our Local Authorities.Three Elected Members are also nominated through the Committee of the Regions.