Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region

The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) is a strategic plan which identifies regional assets, opportunities and pressures and provides appropriate policy responses in the form of Regional Policy Objectives.

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 (RSES)

The RSES together with supporting information is now available to download:

RSES Main Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES

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RSES - Executive Summary Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Executive Summary

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RSES - Appendices Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Appendices

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RSES - SEA Statement Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: SEA Statement

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RSES - Natura Impact Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Natura Impact Report

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RSES - Appropriate Assessment Determination Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Appropriate Assessment Determination

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The primary statutory objective of the Strategy is to support implementation of Project Ireland 2040 – which links planning and investment through the National Planning Framework (NPF) and ten- year National Development Plan (NDP) – and the economic and climate policies of the Government by providing a long-term strategic planning and investment framework for the Region.

The RSES has been implemented in policy by way of review by local authorities in the region of all City and County Development Plans and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs), to ensure their consistency with national and regional policy. Key state agencies and sectoral bodies are also required to consider their strategies and investment plans in light of the adoption of the RSES.

The RSES provides a:

  • Spatial Strategy – to manage future growth and ensure the creation of healthy and attractive places to live and work
  • Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) – to ensure continued competitiveness of Dublin and a supply of strategic development for sustainable growth
  • Economic Strategy – that builds on our strengths to create a strong economy and jobs, that ensures a good living standard and economic opportunity for all
  • Climate Action Strategy – to accelerate action and ensure a clean and healthy environment, sustainable transport and green infrastructure.
  • Investment Framework – to prioritise the delivery of infrastructure and enabling services by government and state agencies

Also in this section

Link to: Making the RSES: Strategy Stages

Making the RSES

Strategy Stages

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Link to: RSES Implementation

RSES Implementation

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Link to: RSES Monitoring

RSES Monitoring

The ‘Monitoring Report’, monitors progress made in implementing the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES).

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Latest News & Events

All News & Events

Driving Urban Regeneration by Mainstreaming the New European Bauhaus (NEB)

The Urban Contact Point for Ireland, Karl Murphy, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, participated in a two-day conference on sustainable urban…
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Cllr Paul Ross Elected Cathaoirleach of the Association of Irish Regions

Longford County Councillor and member of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Cllr Paul Ross, has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Association of…
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Regional Development Monitor – New website

  The Regional Development Monitor is a curated collection of data, dashboards and mapping tools to inform decision-making and monitor progress…
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EMRA Active Travel Study Trip to Utrecht

Representatives from EMRA travelled to Utrecht in the Netherlands from the 1st to the 3rd of September for a Dutch Cycling Study Tour, exploring how Utrecht…
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Irish Regions together with the EU CoR president and Irish Ambassador to Belgium, in Brussels on 1st July 2026 for Welcome Reception marking the start of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Irish Regions Showcase ‘Tionscnaimh agus Táirgí na hÉireann’ at the EU Committee of the Regions in Brussels

On 1st July 2026, Ireland and Europe's Regions celebrate the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Brussels with a welcome reception featuring produce and projects from across Ireland.
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Winners Announced in National “Our Ireland, Our EU” Photo Competition

Six winning photographers have been announced in the inaugural "Our Ireland, Our EU" Photo Competition, a national initiative celebrating the positive impact of Government of Ireland and EU co-funded projects and initiatives across Ireland.
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Irish URBACT Partners Meet-up

All active Irish partners involved in an URBACT project were invited to participate in a meet up of URBACT networks which took place in Navan (Co. Meath) on the 11th of June.
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Eamon Ryan Shares European Housing Advisory Board Recommendations to EMRA

EMRA welcomed Eamon Ryan, Chair of the European Housing Advisory Board, to its Assembly meeting on Europe Day to discuss the recommendations arising from the Board’s report.
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National Photography Competition “Our Ireland, Our EU” Launched to Showcase EU‑Funded Projects Across Ireland

EU Funds Ireland Managing Authorities have launched 'Our Ireland, Our EU', a national photography competition inviting members of the public to capture how projects co‑funded by the European Union are making a difference to everyday life across Ireland.
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The Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator Programme (SSMA) Concludes

Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator programme (SSMA) ended in December 2025. The programme offered training and capacity-building workshops to help local authorities to deliver smart and sustainable mobility projects.
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EUI-URBACT Information Session

EMRA hosted its third annual joint EUI-URBACT info session at the impressive Richmond Education and Event Centre on the 25th of March.
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RSES Review – Strategic Issues Paper

EMRA has formally commenced the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and is inviting individuals, communities, local authorities, state agencies and government departments to share their views on the future of the region.
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The primary objective of the RSES

The primary statutory objective of the Strategy is to support implementation of Project Ireland 2040 – which links planning and investment through the National Planning Framework (NPF) and ten- year National Development Plan (NDP) – and the economic and climate policies of the Government by providing a long-term strategic planning and investment framework for the Region.

The RSES will be implemented in policy by way of review by local authorities of all development plans and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs), to ensure their consistency with national and regional policy. Key state agencies and sectoral bodies will also have to consider their strategies and investment plans in light of the adoption of the RSES.

The RSES provides a:

  • Spatial Strategy – to manage future growth and ensure the creation of healthy and attractive places to live and work
  • Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) – to ensure continued competitiveness of Dublin and a supply of strategic development for sustainable growth
  • Economic Strategy – that builds on our strengths to create a strong economy and jobs, that ensures a good living standard and economic opportunity for all
  • Climate Action Strategy – to accelerate action and ensure a clean and healthy environment, sustainable transport and green infrastructure.
  • Investment Framework – to prioritise the delivery of infrastructure and enabling services by government and state agencies

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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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