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
Presov Regional Tourism Strategy presentation, Day 1

ORIGINN Study Visit to Prešov, Slovakia

From May 20–22, 2025, the picturesque Prešov Self-Governing Region in Slovakia played host to the fifth Study Visit of the ORIGINN project. The event…
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15-min city pathway

EMRA Unveils New Implementation Pathway to Support Vibrant 15-Minute Neighbourhoods in Dublin

The Executive of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) has presented The 15-Minute City – An Implementation Pathway for Delivering Vibrant…
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New Research Launched at Tóchar Conference Reveals Strong Public Support for Wetland Restoration

Nearly half of respondents have a vested interest in wetland restoration, with 10% of those acknowledging that restoration may have potential impacts on…
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‘Silver Bullet’ Solution Offers New Economic Opportunities for Peatland Farmers

· The Peatlands for Prosperity: Farming for the Future project to be launched on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at the Paludiculture ‘Showroom’ in Shinrone,…
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Failte-ireland-project-announcement-May-2025-

Further 15 tourism projects awarded over €4.2 million under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme

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Regional Development Monitor

Regional Development Monitor: a Good Practice for EU Regions

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Explore EU Urban Opportunities – Join Us May 1st at the Custom House

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), as Ireland’s National Contact Point for URBACT and the European Urban Initiative (EUI), invites you…
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AIR Training Seminar 2025 highlights video

We are proud to share the highlights from the 2025 Association of Irish Regions (AIR) Annual Seminar, held in Athlone on 5 and 6 February 2025 marking…
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Regional Assemblies and Maynooth University launch innovative National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) dashboard

6 February 2025, EMRA, NWRA and SRA in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University, launched the National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy Visualisation Dashboard.
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AIR Seminar Celebrates a Decade of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) held its 3rd annual training seminar in Athlone on 5-6 February 2025. The event celebrated 10 years of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland and launched the National Census Atlas & S3 Visualisation Dashboard.
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THRIVE Call 2

Ministers announce €60 million for THRIVE scheme to revitalise heritage buildings in Southern, Eastern and Midland Regions

Announcement of €60 million in funding through the ERDF THRIVE scheme, with awards of up to €7 million available to refurbish, restore, and adapt publicly owned heritage buildings within town centres.
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Photo from event called "Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the Midlands" showing a group of men and women holding a sign that says #EUinmyRegion

Midlands Lead the Way: EUJTF Projects Showcase Sustainable Innovations

An event on 4 December at TUS Athlone showcased five projects that are receiving EU JTF support and talked about driving innovation in carbon neutrality and transforming the Midlands.
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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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