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Emily Square Launch

Emily Square reopens following EU JTF €2.7 million investment

  • Regenerative tourism project developed by Kildare County Council and Fáilte Ireland through the EU Just Transition Fund
  • Major transformation of Emily Square enhances visitor experience and supports sustainable tourism in Athy

Emily Square in Athy, Co. Kildare has been officially reopened today by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD in the presence of Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly, following a transformative redevelopment led by Kildare County Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. The project was awarded over €2.7 million in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund. This investment has significantly enhanced the visitor experience and will support the sustainable development of Athy as a key tourism destination in Ireland’s Ancient East.

The redevelopment of Emily Square includes the resurfacing and enhancement of footpaths, upgraded street furniture and lighting, and a reconfiguration of traffic flows to improve pedestrian access. The space will become a central tourism hub for Athy serving as a venue for events, a meeting and resting point for locals and visitors, and a gateway from which to explore the town’s rich heritage and enjoy the River Barrow by foot, bike, or boat.

The project also restores two significant heritage features, the Maurice Duke of Leinster Drinking Fountain and the 1798 Rebellion Memorial, helping to preserve important features of Athy’s cultural identity. In addition, a new town tree and two public art murals have been introduced, along with an illuminated ground installation depicting the Barrow Line running through the centre of the square. These enhancements will enrich the visual appeal of the square, encourage visitors to stay longer, and foster a strong sense of place in the heart of the town.

Emily Square is the first of 17 projects to be completed under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant Aid Scheme for Local Authorities, which opened for applications in August 2023.

Speaking at the reopening, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said:

“As a proud Kildare South representative, it’s fantastic to see the transformation of Emily Square come to life. This project is a perfect example of how targeted investment in public spaces can revitalise our towns, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for tourism and community engagement. The restoration of heritage features and the addition of public art will ensure Emily Square remains a focal point for Athy for generations to come.

This investment by the Government of Ireland and European Union through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is supporting sustainable economic development and job creation in communities and businesses across the Midlands.”

Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly said:

“The redevelopment of Emily Square under the EU Just Transition Fund is a significant project for County Kildare, and one which will support local businesses, as well as our broader tourism potential. Funding models, such as this, as well as commitment from the local authority, are vital for the necessary development of our county and our public amenities. We look forward to seeing locals and visitors alike enjoying this revitalised amenity.

Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD said:

“I am delighted to announce the opening of the “Emily Square Athy” project, part of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme under the EU Just Transition Fund. The revitalisation of Emily Square represents a key goal of the Just Transition in Ireland – enhancing local communities and fostering a sense of place, making the Midlands an even more desirable location to live, work and visit.

This project will breathe new life into one of one of Ireland’s historic medieval towns, merging the value of cultural heritage with the needs of the present. The regeneration of Emily Square will provide real benefits for both the people of Athy and its visitors. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this project will bring to Athy and its surrounding communities.”

Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, said:

“Emily Square is one of the first major projects to be completed under our Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and clearly demonstrates the transformative impact that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can have on destinations across the Midlands. It’s also a great example of how thoughtful placemaking can revitalise a town centre. The redesign has created a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant space for both locals and visitors, while strengthening Athy’s position as a key destination within Ireland’s Ancient East.

Investments like this help sustain local communities by creating new opportunities for employment, empowering local businesses, and providing more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit this part of the country. We look forward to continued collaboration with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and our strategic partners as we deliver further projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme over the coming year.”

Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said;

“Kildare County Council and our partners are committed to the regeneration of our county. Projects such as Emily Square, are a clear demonstration of the potential for transformative redevelopment within our communities, and for the broader tourism potential of our county. We’re proud to be the first project delivered with our partners in the East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) and Fáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund.”

Clare Bannon, A/Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly said:

“EMRA is delighted to see the opening of Emily Square and applauds the efforts of Kildare County Council and Fáilte Ireland in bringing this project to life with the support of the EU Just Transition Fund Programme. Town squares like Emily Square are not just the heart of the town, they are the heart of the community. As Managing Authority, EMRA is proud to support projects that create vibrant and attractive places. By enhancing quality of life and celebrating local heritage, initiatives like this contribute not only to sustainable tourism but also to broader economic transformation – supporting local enterprise, encouraging investment, and delivering long-term benefits that extend well beyond the tourism sector.”

Cathaoirleach of the Athy Municipal District, Cllr Ivan Keatley said;

“The opening of Emily Square after undergoing such significant transformation is a really exciting and important moment for Athy. It has revitalised our town centre, creating a place of pride for our communities and will support our local businesses, which are vital.

 

Located next to the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience, which is set to open later this year, and within easy reach of the Barrow Blueway, Emily Square now anchors a growing network of tourism assets in Athy. Together, these experiences create a compelling visitor proposition that encourages community engagement and strengthens the town’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme aims to transform tourism across eight counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East by diversifying the local economy and creating new employment opportunities in communities previously reliant on peat production. The scheme supports the transition of the Midlands to a carbon-neutral destination through sustainable tourism projects that deliver long-term benefits for local communities and the environment. Further projects are expected to be completed under this scheme over the coming weeks and months.

https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Image-32-e1757688452831-1382x1536-1-e1758105816708.webp 921 1382 EMRA Editor 2 https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/themes/master/images/emra-logo-2024.png EMRA Editor 22025-09-12 15:30:132025-09-17 11:44:06Emily Square reopens following EU JTF €2.7 million investment

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 traditional livelihoods and impact turf cutters and bog contractors.

  • 61% of Irish adults have visited a wetland area.
  • 72% of the public rank nature restoration as the most important benefit of restoring wetlands.
  • 33% of people nationwide are aware of wetland restoration projects, but awareness is significantly higher in the Just Transition counties.

Thursday, 22 May 2025, Ireland: New research unveiled today at the Tóchar: A Path from the Past, A Future for Wetlands conference reveals a strong public interest in wetlands and insights into the way we interact with them.

The RED C research, commissioned by the Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project, offers timely insights into Irish attitudes toward wetlands, restoration benefits, and the perceived impact on rural livelihoods.

The findings were presented during a lively day of discussions and community engagement at the conference, where the opening address from John Feehan explored the role of ecological processes for the future of wetlands. The event brought together policymakers, ecologists, landowners, contractors, and local voices to explore the path ahead for wetlands in the Midlands. Held in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, the event opened with a ‘Wake Up to the Bog’ walk and featured keynote addresses from representatives of the European Commission and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Tóchar Project representatives and a range of community voices such as Abbeyleix Bog Project, Women in Nature Restoration and the Tóchar Fens Restoration project.

Welcoming the research, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said:

“Through the Tóchar Project, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is restoring vital wetlands not only to protect biodiversity, but also to ensure that communities who have long been dependent on peatlands are part of a fair and inclusive transition. I am delighted that the NPWS is supporting initiatives like Tóchar that combine social equity with environmental stewardship. The research being launched today highlights the deep connection Irish people feel to our wetlands and underscores the public’s growing support for nature-based solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges. We need to ensure that meeting these challenges delivers climate action benefits while preserving livelihoods and our heritage.”

Speaking about the research, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:

“The restoration of Ireland’s wetlands is a vital step in protecting our natural heritage and tackling climate change. These ecosystems are at the heart of our biodiversity and play a crucial role in flood management, carbon storage, and sustaining rural communities. Through the Tóchar Project, we are not just restoring landscapes, we are strengthening the connection between people and nature. This initiative ensures that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that benefits both the environment and the communities who have relied on these lands for generations. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods can thrive side by side.”

This research was commissioned to better understand how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration and this was a key topic of discussion throughout the event. The findings reinforced many of the themes raised during panel discussions and storytelling sessions, such as “Stories from the Community” and “The Irish Perspective: Reflections on the Past and a Look to the Future”, where local peat contractors, landowners, and ecologists shared their lived experiences and aspirations for the transition.

It’s clear that while there is strong support for nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, we also need to acknowledge and address the concerns of rural communities whose lives and traditions are closely tied to these landscapes. This insight will help shape how we engage with the public and deliver the project in a way that’s inclusive and informed.

Key research findings include:

  • 61% of Irish adults have visited a wetland area, with this number rising to nearly 70% in the EU Just Transition Territory counties.
  • Nature restoration (72%), flood mitigation (57%), and carbon storage (50%) rank as the top perceived benefits of wetland restoration.
  • While many support wetland restoration, 49% of respondents express concern about its impact, particularly on traditional rural livelihoods.
  • 1 in 3 Irish adults have heard of wetland restoration projects, but there is a need for better communication and community engagement. Awareness is significantly higher in the EU Just Transition Territory counties.

The Tóchar Project, a three-year initiative managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, is dedicated to restoring these vital landscapes across the Midlands.

Ireland’s wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and climate resilience. However, many of these fragile ecosystems have been degraded over time.
The Tóchar project is focusing on restoring degraded wetlands in Kildare, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, and Westmeath, working closely with local communities to ensure a just transition.

Commenting on the project launch, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said:

“Tóchar represents a key opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the restoration and protection of Irish wetlands. In addition to their cultural and historic importance, wetlands play a critical role in carbon sequestration, functioning as a long-term carbon sink. Supporting sustainable land-use initiatives such as Tóchar will be essential to achieving our climate goals and ensuring a just transition away from a fossil fuel-dependent landscape. I look forward to seeing the full potential of this innovative scheme.”

Shirley Clerkin, Tóchar Project Manager, stresses the importance of collaboration:

“The research shows that wetland restoration is about more than just conservation; it’s about people and their ongoing relationship with their environment. The survey results demonstrate an understanding of wetland ecosystem benefits but also show where we need to work together to enhance and build capacity for wetland restoration in the midlands. By working with communities, landowners, and peat contractors we can create a legacy of sustainable living, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection that benefits everyone.“

Clare Bannon, A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA):

“As the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, EMRA recognises the profound impact that the EU Just Transition Fund programme has on the communities and environment in the wider Midlands. This research commissioned by the Tóchar project, is valuable to understanding how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration. This insight will be integral in shaping how Tóchar can ensure that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that is inclusive and well-informed. Our goal is to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods thrive side by side, adopting a deep connection between people and their natural heritage.”

The day closed with a ‘Rejuvenation Bog Walk’, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the landscapes that are the focus of Ireland’s wetland restoration movement.

To learn more about the Tóchar Project, share your views, or participate in upcoming initiatives, visit www.tocharwetlands.ie or follow us on Instagram @wetlandsrestoration or Facebook and LinkedIn Tóchar Wetlands Restoration.

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Gearòid Maher age 3, and Fiadh Maher aged 10 months from Laois in Abbeyleix Bog, as part of Tòchar Project research launch on National Biodiversity Week.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

No Repro fee
22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Gearòid Maher age 3, and Fiadh Maher aged 10 months from Laois in Abbeyleix Bog, as part of Tòchar Project research launch on National Biodiversity Week.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tochar-project-research-launch-4.jpg 800 1200 Kiara Abbey https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/themes/master/images/emra-logo-2024.png Kiara Abbey2025-05-22 09:00:132025-05-23 14:51:36New Research Launched at Tóchar Conference Reveals Strong Public Support for Wetland Restoration

‘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, Offaly.

· It is one of the projects funded in the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

· As part of the project, Green Restoration Ireland is offering free, hands-on support to farmers, farm advisors, and the wider community as to how to access new income streams from peatlands, in particular abandoned cutover.

· Anyone with an interest is encouraged to book training with the project or get in touch to find out more about surveys and other services.

Peatlands have been very much in the headlines of late with a lot of concern in the farming community about the possible imposition of conditions for agricultural peat grasslands. But what if you could actually ‘restore’ damaged and degrading peatlands by reclamation for agriculture, generating income from lands with no financial potential? How is this even possible? Well, this is what the new Peatlands for Prosperity project is proposing – the key difference lies in the approach.

The launch of the Peatlands for Prosperity: Farming for the Future project, funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Programme and run by Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) took place on Wednesday, 21st May. This was held at the Paludiculture ‘Showroom’ on the Regan farm in Gortavally, Shinrone, Offaly. This is the site of Ireland’s first on-farm Paludiculture trials and will be one of the two main venues for the project. The second demonstration farm is located in Ferbane, County Offaly.

Of the launch of the project, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D. remarked:

“We welcome this opportunity to support this innovative project. Management of farmed peatlands through paludiculture is a valuable opportunity to support the transition towards climate-neutrality and encourage biodiversity, while also facilitating the diversification and modernisation of the economy of the Territory for the benefit of impacted communities.

“Peatlands for Prosperity demonstrates an environmentally sustainable solution to the challenges of the cessation of peat extraction in the Midlands, placing the welfare and wellbeing of the farming community at its core. This project represents the necessary shift towards environmentally conscious land use while enabling farmers to access new potential sources of revenue. We look forward to witnessing the impact and influence of this project on future initiatives.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D. also stated:

“As Minister for Agriculture, I recognise the importance of working with farmers with peat soils in generating an income for their families. A key element of the Peatlands for Prosperity initiative is the provision of hands-on support for farmers. Providing farmers with the right tools, in the right place, at the right time are critical to ensuring an economic and environmentally sustainable Irish agriculture sector. I look forward to seeing the outputs of this project and wish all involved great success.”

Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said:

“The EU Just Transition Fund supports innovative approaches to developing the territories most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality.

“The Peatlands for Prosperity project is about developing alternative income streams for farmers while contributing to the restoration of peatlands.”

A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Clare Bannon said:

“The prosperity of the wider Midland region is closely tied to sustainable agriculture. The Peatlands for Prosperity project is an excellent example of innovative approaches that preserve the region’s unique environment and while supporting economic opportunities for local farmers.

“The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, is delighted to work with Pobal in administering grant aid directly from the European Union to projects that stem from the ingenuity of our local communities – in the first scheme of its kind. Projects like Peatlands for Prosperity highlights how financial supports that directly target regional and local innovative entities can transform regional development and improve the livelihoods of our communities.”

Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare said:

“The Peatlands for Prosperity project delivered by Green restoration Ireland which is trialling new farming practices such as paludiculture to help counter biodiversity loss and introduce farmers to a “new” sustainable agriculture, is an excellent example of the innovative initiatives that organisations, communities and enterprises across the Midlands are undertaking under the Just Transition Programme. It is one of 44 projects being supported under the Fund and we have been impressed with the uniqueness of a range of such initiatives being piloted that attempt to build new skills, generate jobs, and diversify the economy while contributing towards the transition to a low carbon economy.”

Dr Doug McMillan, General Manager of GRI said:

“With the Peatlands for Prosperity project, Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) is offering free, hands-on support to farmers, farm advisors, and the wider community. Participating farmers can avail of comprehensive, no-cost surveys to assess their peatland’s potential for carbon payments, Paludiculture crops and establishment of paludiculture crops. The project also offers free on-farm training delivered at the pioneer farms in County Offaly to demonstrate how to successfully manage your peatlands and unlock new income streams.”

 

Paludiculture Pays Four Times Over!

‘Paludiculture (wetland agriculture) is the productive land use of wet and rewetted peatlands that preserves the peat soil and thereby minimizes CO2 emissions and subsidence.’ (A definition of paludiculture in the CAP – Wetlands International Europe)

A veritable silver bullet, if done right Paludiculture has the potential to pay four times over:

1. Firstly in the form of carbon payments from raising the water table to lock in carbon and avoid carbon emissions as outlined in the new Peatland Standard for Ireland (Peatland Standard for Ireland — Peatland Finance Ireland);

2. In the form of payments for the crops and raw materials produced;

3. Where this is done on existing agricultural land it conserves the peat soils for future generations of farmers (drained peat soils are lost at an average rate of 1 cm a year); and

4. Lastly, it pays in co-benefits of enhanced biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem services that arise from healthy peatlands providing climate resilience for agriculture and contributing to national and EU objectives for climate, green growth, biodiversity and water quality, so reducing costly fines for the country as a whole. Payment for these additional ecosystem services are an integral part of carbon payments outlined in the Irish Peatland Standard.

A Paludiculture First for Ireland

With paludiculture, peatlands are kept productive under raised water tables making it a blueprint for carbon farming of peaty soils by simultaneously allowing agricultural cultivation (or forestry) to produce food, feed, biomass and other raw materials.

At the Regan ‘Showroom’, a full cross-section of crops suited to wetter conditions have been trialled including grasses, fruits, herbs, vegetables, commercial timber species and crops for construction, fibres and other raw materials that can develop the circular bio-economy. A key project aim is to show farmers a range of the most lucrative crops to choose from and help them transition to these new agricultural systems.

The event on the day will include a tour of these new crops and other carbon farming measures, short presentations and the finest in Irish farm hospitality!

Access Farm Services & Training Courses

If you are a peatland farmer, farm advisor or just have an interest and want to book your training or would like to find out more about the programme then please contact GRI at doug@greenrestorationireland.coop or call Doug at 087 9678 372.

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21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
From left to right: Clare Bannon, Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; Collette and Donie Regan, farmer owners; Douglas McMillan, General Manager of Green Restoration Ireland Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

No Repro fee
21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
From left to right: Clare Bannon, Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; Collette and Donie Regan, farmer owners; Douglas McMillan, General Manager of Green Restoration Ireland Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

No Repro fee
21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Group shot of farmers and peatland experts, European Commission and Government representatives at the Regan farm Paludiculture ‘showroom’ for the launching of the Peatlands for Prosperity project.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/peatlands-for-prosperity-5.jpg 800 1200 Kiara Abbey https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/themes/master/images/emra-logo-2024.png Kiara Abbey2025-05-21 09:00:172025-05-23 14:53:36‘Silver Bullet’ Solution Offers New Economic Opportunities for Peatland Farmers
Procurement Training with Beauchamps July 2024

Procurement Training for EU Just Transition Fund Beneficiaries

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly organised training on procurement for beneficiaries of the EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland. A video of the training can be seen on this page.

Read more
https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/procurement-training-July-2024.jpg 800 1200 EMRA Editor 2 https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/themes/master/images/emra-logo-2024.png EMRA Editor 22024-07-19 17:40:032024-12-02 16:04:16Procurement Training for EU Just Transition Fund Beneficiaries
EMRA Director, Cathaoirleach, and CE Laois

First meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

The first meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly took place in the Council Chamber, Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on Friday 12th July 2024. The meeting marks the start of a new five-year term for the Regional Assembly following the recent local elections.

Cllr Fitzgerald, Joan Martin and Clare Bannon

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Joan Martin and Clare Bannon stand for photo at the first meeting of the Regional Assembly 2024-2029 term

The meeting brought together representatives from every local authority in the region (Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, South Dublin, Westmeath, Wicklow). The Assembly is made up of 39 Members comprised of elected officials nominated by their constituent local authorities to be part of the Assembly and members from the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions, who are nominated by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 22 Members are completely new to the Assembly, 17 are returning from the last term. The regional assembly is the regional tier of government in Ireland and has responsibility for balanced reginal spatial and economic planning and for EU funded programmes.

On this occasion, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald of Laois County Council  was elected as Cathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly for 2024-2025. Additionally, Cllr David Healy was elected as Leás-Cathaoirleach for 2024-2025.

On the agenda for the meeting, minutes from the previous meeting on 10th May were adopted. An overview presentation of the Regional Assembly’s work and responsibilities was provided bringing all new and existing members up to speed. Also covered as points at the meeting were nominations to external bodies, planning items, a programme of works quarter 2 update, a cohesion alliance joint call and a correspondence piece.

Lastly, the meeting was also the last meeting for Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council and designated Chief Executive of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. We thank her for all her dedication to the Assembly over the years.

Congratulating the new Cathaoirleach and Leás-Chathaoirleach, Acting Director of the Assembly, Clare Bannon said that she and all the staff in the Assembly look forward to working with them and the new Assembly Members over the coming years.

See the full list of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly members on our Members page.

EMRA elected Members 2024-2029 and members of staff

EMRA elected Members 2024-2029 and members of staff in Dun Laoghaire Council Chambers, 12 July 2024

https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EMRA-Director-Cathaoirleach-and-CE-Laois.jpg 800 1200 EMRA Editor 2 https://www.emra.ie/wp-content/themes/master/images/emra-logo-2024.png EMRA Editor 22024-07-12 14:14:262024-09-10 14:23:32First meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

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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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