Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) -New Brunswick (NB) Conference on Place-Based Economic Development

EMRA was honoured to be invited to the inaugural OECD-NB Conference on Place-Based Economic Development, held in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on 2nd-3rd  October, 2025.

This landmark event brought together regional, national and international thought leaders and practitioners from across the public, private and civil sectors. The conference provided a platform to exchange ideas, policies and practices that address the challenges and opportunities posed by major global trends, including trade uncertainty, climate change, demographic shifts, well-being, productivity headwinds and attractiveness policies.

EMRA contributed to the session titled ‘Pathways to Net-Zero: an Economic Opportunity and Climate Imperative’, where Anne-Marie Wood Wolfe, Assistant Director/Senior Planner, presented on EMRA’s role in the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF). Her presentation highlighted EMRA’s work in supporting the shift away from carbon-intensive industries, with a focus on resilience and regional development. The session concluded with a panel discussion exploring actionable strategies for achieving net-zero goals.

Throughout the two-day event, attendees shared best practices, engaged in meaningful dialogue, and worked towards concrete actions, including strengthening linkages across regions and networks.

 

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Invitation to attend the Just Transition Fest

Join the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as we celebrate and showcase the transformative impact of the EU Just Transition Fund.

When:                 Wednesday, 5th November 2025

Time:                   10:30am – 16:30pm (registration opens from 09:30am)

Location:           Mount Druid, Castletown, Castletown Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath

 

This pivotal event will bring together all projects funded under the EUJTF programme, community groups, and key stakeholders to highlight the real-life benefits and strategic delivery of the EU Just Transition Fund, demonstrating its crucial role in promoting sustainable local economies and communities.

What to expect on the day:

  • An exhibition of inspiring projects funded through the EU Just Transition Fund.
  • Presentations and testimonials from project beneficiaries.
  • Networking opportunities and breakout sessions with meaningful conversations to help shape the future.
  • Stories from communities around the Midlands.
  • Interactive workshops, games and fun.

This event is a significant opportunity to connect and celebrate our collective progress.

Please RSVP and confirm your attendance by Friday, 31st October COB: EVENT REGISTRATION

The nearest train station to Mount Druid is Mullingar, which is a 10-15 minute drive away. If you need a transfer from the station please let us know in the registration link. 

Please note there will be photographs and videos taken at the event.

 

Click here to download the Draft Agenda as seen below.

 

Image of the Draft agenda for the Just Transition Fest, celebrating achievements to date in the EU Just Transition Fund.

Regional Assemblies Address Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs

Coinciding with the European Week of Regions and Cities, representatives from Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs to discuss key priorities for Ireland’s regions and their relationship with the European Union.

The discussion focused on:

  • Management and oversight of EU funding and its impact
  • The importance and future of Cohesion funding for regional and local development
  • Empowering Regional Assemblies to unlock greater opportunities and value from the EU

The Assemblies play a vital role in connecting EU policy and funding with communities on the ground, ensuring that European investment delivers tangible benefits for regions across Ireland.

Representing the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) were Acting Director Clare Bannon, Cathaoirleach Cllr David Healy and Cllr Rob Power, who highlighted the positive work of the Assemblies in linking European investment to local action and opportunities. They were joined by colleagues from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Barry Ward said:

“We welcome the opportunity to meet with the regional assemblies. The meeting will also focus on the European Regional Development Fund, which is an important cornerstone of cohesion funding provided by the EU. The meeting allows us to build upon the Committee’s engagement with the President of the European Committee of the Regions, who the Committee met last Wednesday, the 1st of October.
The Committee will explore the current experience of regional assemblies in delivering EU funding for cohesion projects which will also help inform the delivery of regional development funding under the next EU budget.”

The engagement underlines the importance of collaboration between national and regional bodies to ensure Ireland continues to benefit from EU cohesion policy and funding.

To watch back the full debate visit https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/joint_committee_on_european_union_affairs/2025-10-15/

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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