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 42 elected members . The elected members are appointed by the constituent local authorities within the region, together with members who serve by virtue of their membership of the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions.

Our Mission

Our Values

Our Vision

Our Goals

  • Develop, Implement and Monitor the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to provide a long-term strategic planning and economic framework, and drive regional attractiveness for the Region, including through the necessary provision of infrastructure and connections.
  • Lead the sustainable, nature-based and climate resilient development of the Region.
  • Drive the Regional Policy Agenda through engaging with stakeholders to ensure the voice of the Region is heard.
  • Ensure coordination of policy and plan making to promote effectiveness and coherence in local government and public services.
  • Develop and implement a European strategy to enhance the Region’s engagement at EU level and influence EU policy-making.
  • Manage and Implement EU Funding for the benefit of the Region and to ensure effective regional development.
  • Be a EU Resource Hub for the Region to allow our local and regional stakeholders to seize European opportunities.
  • Participate in EU Projects to harness regional opportunities and address regional priorities and challenges.
  • Continue to represent the region at EU level through an enhanced IREO and support to Irish Delegation to the Committee of the Regions, ensuring that local and regional views are shaping and influencing EU policy making.
  • Provide support and training to the Members of the Regional Assembly in their role as decisionmakers and representatives for the Region.
  • Strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Eastern and Midland Region, including through building the Association of Irish Regions, advocating for strengthened regional and local democracy, and supporting the Regional Assembly to achieve parity with Regions on a national and European level.
  • Raise the profile of the organisation to ensure a better awareness and understanding of the role of the Regional Assembly and foster a sense of identity.
  • Ensure the wellbeing and professional development of our staff and plan strategically for the workforce of the future.
  • Ensure a strong governance framework and develop our technology systems to enable a robust, efficient, transparent and future-proofed organisation.
  • Ensure the strong financial governance and accountability of the organisation and support valuefor-money in our operations.

Corporate Plan 2025-2030

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

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.

In this section

Latest News & Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Image with logos for the European Urban Initiative and URBACT

European Urban Initiative (EUI) and URBACT Information Session

Join the next joint information session on 25 March at the Richmond Education and Event Centre, North Brunswick Street, Dublin to learn about upcoming calls and opportunities through European Urban Initiative (EUI) and URBACT.
Just Transition Funding

Ministers Heydon and O’Brien announce €10 million EU Just Transition Funding for two bioeconomy demonstration projects

Awards of €5 million each from the EU Just Transition Fund Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative will support two bioeconomy projects with collaboration…
EUJTF-START-call-open-image

Supporting a Sustainable Transition through climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) Scheme

An EUJTF funding call for projects supporting Local Authority Climate Action Plans. Expressions of interest due to Pobal 13 March 2026. Official Applications open 21 April 2026.

EMRA to participate in Regional Studies Association Annual Conference on ‘Compact ‘Growth at University College Cork

The Annual Conference of the Irish Section of the Regional Studies Association will take place on the 20th of February at University College Cork (UCC). This…