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 Vision Our Goals

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Our Mission

Our Values

Our Vision

Our Goals

1.Deliver effective regional development for the Region and its communities, to improve quality of life, support and nurture sustainable economic growth towards a regenerative economy, deliver necessary infrastructure, and provide for a green, low carbon and climate resilient Region.

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.

2. Mobilise the potential of European cooperation for the benefit of our Region and its communities.

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.

3. Strengthen Regional governance through providing a robust organisation that enhances multilevel governance and can effectively meet the needs of the Eastern and Midland Region.

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.

Download PDF

Download Irish version PDF

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.

Regional profile

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

Members

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

The Team

EMRA staff

Latest News & Events

All News & Events

The Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator Programme (SSMA) Concludes

April 14, 2026

The Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator programme (SSMA) which was developed by the three Regional Assemblies and international sustainable mobility…

EUI-URBACT Information Session

March 30, 2026

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

March 26, 2026

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

February 25, 2026

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.

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

February 25, 2026

Awards of €5 million each from the EU Just Transition Fund Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative will support two bioeconomy projects with collaboration…

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

February 16, 2026

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

February 12, 2026

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…

Press Release – EMRA Calls for Urgent Review of Transport Investment Plan

February 4, 2026

Read a press release about how EMRA has formally written to Ministers expressing concerns regarding the National Development Plan (NDP) Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport.

Call for Social Innovation Projects: Share Your Community Impact with ELIF

February 3, 2026

Are you involved in a community-led social innovation project? Are you working to strengthen your community with innovative and inspiring initiatives? The…

Reclaim the Economy Week 2026

January 29, 2026

Reclaim the Economy Week is happening on 26th January – 1st February 2026 and events are being held around the world to raise awareness and spark creativity around how to ensure that our economy serves us better.

Graduate.ie

Students sponsored by EMRA and EU Just Transition Fund visit the European Parliament

January 14, 2026

Students sponsored by EMRA and the EU Just Transition Fund recently joined students from across Ireland at the European Parliament representing their school and county.

Just Transition Fest celebrates EU Just Transition Fund Impact

November 18, 2025

Just Transition Fest on 5 November 2025 celebrated the achievement to date of the EU Just Transition Fund and showcased the projects funded by the EUJTF programme.