About EMRA

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) is a part of the local government structure that exists between the county and national levels. We promote balanced and sustainable development in our region through policy making, monitoring and oversight, and promoting effective co-ordination from EU to local levels in our region.

We work closely with the other two regional assemblies – Southern Regional Assembly and Northern & Western Regional Assembly.

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly comprises of 39 elected Members appointed by the 12 constituent local authorities within the Region and members of the Irish delegation of the Committee of the Regions. EMRA plays a key role in the development of the Region for the benefit of its citizens.

Our MissionOur VisionOur Goals

Our Mission

Our mission is to plan and coordinate activities and stakeholders at regional level to drive and deliver the sustainable development of our Region.

Our Values

Our Vision

A sustainable and competitive Region that supports the health and wellbeing of our people and places, from urban to rural, with access to quality housing, travel and employment opportunities for all.

Our Goals

Keeping in mind our three-fold ambition for the Region and its citizens – healthy placemaking, economic opportunities and climate action – EMRA will work towards three main strategic goals.

  • Carry out our function of oversight of city and county development plans.
  • Participate and engage in relevant structures and instances at national and regional level.
  • Participate in governance structures of EU programmes.
  • Strengthen EMRA’s presence and influence on EU policymaking and seek opportunities to influence regional development and policy making at EU level.
  • Provide information, data and analysis for evidence based policy-making.
  • Promote multi-level governance by fostering cooperation between local, regional, national and European levels.
  • Carry out implementation of the RSES through MASP and SPA implementation groups.
  • Participate in externally funded projects to share best practices from the region and learn from partners across Ireland and Europe on topics relevant to regional priorities.
  • Seek opportunities for EMRA to become involved in new externally funded projects aligned with regional priorities.
  • Provide leadership on the implementation of EU structural funds and deliver as requested by Government on these programmes.
  • Be a regional resource hub on funding and project opportunities to increase the participation of LAs and regional stakeholders in European projects and networks by providing information and support.
  • Build members’ capacity by providing them with appropriate tools to make informed decisions.
  • Develop a new communication strategy to better present the activities and achievements of the Assembly and its members.
  • Seek relevant opportunities to showcase the assets of EMRA and the region, at EU, national and regional level.
  • Ensure the workforce plan is fit for purpose and develop staff capacity and expertise.
  • Ensure the smooth running of the Assembly and compliance with legal requirements.

Corporate Plan 2019-2024

The Corporate Plan is a statement of our vision, objectives and values for the region – Sustainability, People Focused, Openness, Evidence Based and Accountability.

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In this section

Link to: Regional Profile

Regional profile

Our Regional Assembly covers the administrative areas of twelve local authorities.

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Link to: EMRA Members

Members

EMRA comprises of elected Members nominated by the 12 constituent local authorities within the region.

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Link to: EMRA Staff

The Team

EMRA staff

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Reports and Publications

Latest News & Events

All News & Events

Have your say in the future Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Corporate Plan

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is currently preparing its new Corporate Plan. The Corporate Plan is the Assembly’s strategic framework for…
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2 ministers and EMRA Cathaoirleach at the launch of Pathway for Just Transition

Launch of EU JTF Midlands Pathway to Just Transition Project

The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP), Pathway for Just Transition, a €3.9million EU JTF-funded project, was launched in Portlaoise on 4 October 2024 by Ministers Eamon Ryan and Peter Burke. The project will boost economic growth in Ireland's Midlands.
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Industrial buildings in the Eastern and Midland Region

‘Regional Innovation Valley’ status given to Ireland’s 3 Regions by European Commission

EMRA along with all the other two of Ireland's regions have been designated as 'Regional Innovation Valleys' by the European Commission.
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Wooden trail with text overlay announcing project selected

Projects Selected for EU JTF Community and Enterprise Grants

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, today has announced that 15 sustainability-focused projects in the Midlands will…
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EMRA Director, Cathaoirleach, and CE Laois

First meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

First meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly was held on Friday 12th July 2024 following local elections.
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EU Just Transition Fund highlighted at the National Recovery and Resilience Plan annual event

EU JTF attends the annual event for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan on 11 July 2024.
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Vista at Clonmacnoise with text overlay announcing EU JTF projects selected

Over €32million in investment grants announced for regenerative tourism projects in Midlands

Fáilte Ireland announced the first round of approved projects that will receive grant funding under the EU Just Transition Fund. Click in to see what got funding in this batch!
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Local projects in the Midlands to receive grants amounting to €18 million under EU Just Transition Fund programme

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, today announced the 15 projects in the Midlands that will receive grant awards…
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Regions in Focus feartured image

“Regions in Focus” event

Councillors discuss options for enhanced Regional Government in Ireland at “Regions in Focus” event in Limerick.
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Minister O’Donnell launches new €120m fund to renovate heritage buildings in town centres

A new funding scheme under Ireland’s two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes is providing €120m support.
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Understanding URBACT’s Impact at the Custom House

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) held its URBACT Info Day at the Custom House last Thursday, the 25th of January.
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EMRA in The Public Sector Magazine

Did you spot EMRA’s article ‘EMRA: Driving A Regional Agenda’ published in the Autumn 2023 edition of the Public Sector Magazine?
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Quick links

Our work and functions

Contact EMRA

Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly
3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre
Main Street, Ballymun
Dublin 9, D09 C8P5
Ireland

+353 (0) 1 8074482

info@emra.ie

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