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
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 to a joint information session on the afternoon of May 1st at the Custom House, Dublin.
With registration and refreshments from 12.30pm, the session will highlight:
• The new URBACT Transfer Networks call
• The EUI Capacity Building offer
• The upcoming Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU) call on Compact Cities
Hear real testimonials, discover funding and learning opportunities, and connect with local authority peers and stakeholders from across Ireland.
See the full agenda and register now to secure your place.
Questions? Contact Karl Murphy at kmurphy@emra.ie
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 a decade of Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies. Organised by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), this special event brought together over 270 delegates, including locally elected representatives, planners, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Ireland and Europe.
The two-day seminar was a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, celebrating regional achievements, and looking ahead to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Ireland. Key moments included the project exhibition space and the launch of two innovative tools developed in partnership with Maynooth University’s All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO): the National Census Atlas and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard—groundbreaking resources for evidence-based planning and regional innovation.
Watch the video to relive the energy, insight, and collaboration that made the 2025 this year’s AIR Seminar such a memorable success.
The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) is the representative body of the three Regional Assemblies in Ireland – the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly. For more information about the AIR event, visit www.irishregions.ie
Regional Assemblies and Maynooth University launch innovative National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) dashboard
Ireland’s first neighbourhood-level atlas brings over 200 indicators to your fingertips
Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies – the Eastern and Midland, the Northern and Western, and the Southern Regional Assemblies – in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University, are proud to announce the launch of the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool that provides an unprecedented view of over 200 social, economic, and environmental indicators at the neighbourhood level across Ireland. Alongside this, a new section on the Regional Development Monitor (RDM) dedicated to key Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) indicators is also being unveiled.
Minister Peter Burke TD with EMRA A/Director Clare Bannon, Anne-Marie Wood Wolfe and Owen Douglas at the launching of the Census Atlas in Athlone on 6 February 2025.
This pioneering atlas is hosted on the Tailte Éireann GeoHive platform via the Regional Development Monitor (RDM), enabling users to explore a wealth of data in an accessible and interactive format. From housing trends and employment statistics to environmental factors, the atlas delivers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, businesses, and citizens alike.
The National Census Atlas offers:
- Neighbourhood-level insights: Detailed mapping of data for informed decision-making at the local level.
- Comprehensive indicators: Over 200 datasets covering critical aspects of Irish life, including demographics, social and cultural factors, education, health and wellbeing, housing, employment and economy, communications and ICT, and transport and commuting.
- User-friendly access: An intuitive interface powered by the GeoHive platform, making data exploration straightforward for all users.
All data in the atlas comes from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2022 results, ensuring the most up-to-date and accurate representation of Ireland’s social and economic characteristics.
A Resource for Evidence-Based Planning and Beyond
Justin Gleeson explains the features of the newly launched Census Atlas in Athlone on 6 February 2025.
The National Census Atlas is primarily aimed at supporting the planning sector in Ireland, providing a robust resource for evidence-based planning and policymaking. It will be a useful support tool for Government Department and State bodies, local authorities, community groups and planning consultants. However, its applications extend far beyond, offering valuable insights for secondary and third-level students in understanding the social and economic characteristics of the country.
Examples of the Tool in Use
The National Census Atlas illustrates its potential to support current and future policy development for key social issues. For instance:
- Population change: The tool shows levels of population change over the last twenty years, highlighting areas of major population growth alongside regions experiencing continual population decline.
- Household heating sources: The atlas details variations in household heating methods within and across counties, providing essential data for policies aimed at achieving a just transition from fossil fuels.
- Employment clustering: Insights into the clustering of employment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing industries, and professional services can guide regional economic development strategies.
- Religious affiliation trends: The tool reveals differing trends in religious affiliation between urban and rural areas, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural shifts.
- Commuting patterns: Detailed data on commuting patterns to cities and large towns helps inform transport and infrastructure planning.
Setting Ireland Apart as an International Leader
The National Census Atlas is unique in its scope and detail. No other country has developed a national resource as comprehensive as this, positioning Ireland as an example of international best practice. This innovative approach highlights Ireland’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and inclusive planning.
Technological Advancements for Local Authorities
One of the key advancements in this tool is its ability to allow local authorities to develop their own maps tailored to their specific areas – counties, cities and towns, local electoral areas and municipal districts. This feature empowers local authorities and elected members to better understand and respond to the unique needs of their communities.
A Collaboration for Ireland’s Future
Developed by the AIRO team at Maynooth University, the project was made possible through direction and funding from the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland: the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, and the Southern Regional Assembly. This collaboration underscores the commitment to equipping communities with tools to drive evidence-based planning and regional development.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
In formally launching the National Census Atlas and S3 Dashboard, Minister Peter Burke TD stated: “I am proud to launch the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool providing access to key data which will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based policymaking. We are the first country to develop such a resource, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice. I am also delighted to launch the new Smart Specialisation Strategy Visualisation Dashboard which was developed in collaboration with my own Department. This tool will help monitor the progress of our National Smart Specialisation Strategy, monitor our regional innovation performance and enable regions to focus on their strengths. These new tools are fantastic additions to the Regional Development Monitor that I had the pleasure of launching in November 2022 and will be crucial to future policy development.”
Justin Gleeson, Director of AIRO, emphasised the significance of the initiative:
“The National Census Atlas represents a major step forward in democratising access to data. By providing granular insights at the neighbourhood level, this tool empowers stakeholders across Ireland to identify needs, allocate resources effectively, and plan for a sustainable future. It is a fantastic example of public sector collaboration in Ireland and the use of publicly funded data collection initiatives.”
Clare Bannon, Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly added:
“This project highlights the power of collaboration in advancing regional development goals. We’re proud to support this initiative, which offers a new perspective on Ireland’s evolving social, economic, and environmental landscape. This tool is a great addition to the Regional Development Monitor which has become a key resource for local and regional authorities in Ireland.”
Access the Atlas Today
The National Census Atlas is available now on the Regional Development Monitor website:
https://rdm.geohive.ie/pages/national-census-atlas
Launch of the new Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Visualisation Dashboard
In addition to the launch of the National Census Atlas, Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies and AIRO are pleased to announce a new Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) visualisation dashboard on the RDM website. The dashboards on this platform have been developed to support the monitoring of the national Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), an innovation policy concept that aims to boost regional enterprise innovation by enabling regions to focus on their strengths.
Developed by the RDM project team in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), the dashboard provides visualisations for several key indicators, including:
- Real Labour Productivity per Person
- International Comparison of R&D Personnel per Thousand Total Employment
- Regional Innovation Scoreboard Indicators
By offering these data-driven insights, the new S3 visualisation platform will support policymakers, researchers, and businesses in identifying areas of strategic growth, fostering innovation, and contributing to regional prosperity across Ireland.
The S3 Dashboard is available now on the Regional Development Monitor website:
AIR Seminar Celebrates a Decade of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland
The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) holds its third Annual Training Seminar and launches the National Census Atlas and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard.
The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) held an engaging and enlightening training seminar on 5-6 February 2025 in Athlone. Following from the successful events in Monaghan in 2023 and Adare in 2024, over 270 registered delegates of locally elected representatives, policy makers, regional planners, experts and stakeholders from across Ireland and Europe gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel overlooking the River Shannon for the third AIR training seminar.
The event also marked a significant milestone as it celebrated 10 years of the three Regional Assemblies in Ireland, which were established in their current form in 2015. Since then, the Assemblies have become vehicles for both securing and brokering critical investment, strategic policymaking and are key advocates for their constituent communities (both urban and rural).
Of the event, Clare Bannon, A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly said:
“EMRA is honoured to host the 2025 AIR training seminar. It has been a privilege to bring together a significant lineup of speakers with the goal of debating and enhancing the critical role the Regions play in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable Ireland. This seminar has provided a wonderful opportunity for all participants to come together at a pivotal time in both domestic and international politics to discuss key issues of importance as we look forward towards the next ten years of Regions in Ireland.”
The Cathaoirleach of AIR, Cllr Jimmy McClearn, Galway County Council and member of the Committee of the Regions, added:
“This event underscores the remarkable progress the Regions have made over the past decade and looks at where we can go in the future. The discussions, insights, and collaborations made possible by this timely event will undoubtedly propel us toward even greater achievements in regional development and cooperation.”
This year’s event ended with the launching of the National Census Atlas and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD. With the Minister’s warm support, the three Regional Assemblies in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University launched these two brand new extensions to the Regional Development Monitor (RDM) which provides mapping and visualisation platforms to assist Government Departments, Regional Assemblies, Local Authorities, planners, policy makers, researchers, and citizens in gaining greater insight to aid better decision-making. First of its kind in Europe, this is a fully open, user-friendly and interactive resource that shows over 200 key indicators down to a neighbourhood-level and can demonstrate key social, economic and environmental trends across Ireland.
Of the launch, Minister Peter Burke TD said:
EMRA Director Clare Bannon, Minister Peter Burke TD and Justin Gleeson Director of AIRO in Athlone at the launch of the Census Atlas and the S3 Dashboard
“I am proud to launch the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool providing access to key data which will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based policymaking. We are the first country to develop such a resource, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice. I am also delighted to launch the new Smart Specialisation Strategy Visualisation Dashboard which was developed in collaboration with my own Department. This tool will help monitor the progress of our National Smart Specialisation Strategy, monitor our regional innovation performance and enable regions to focus on their strengths. These new tools are fantastic additions to the Regional Development Monitor that I had the pleasure of launching in November 2022 and will be crucial to future policy development.”
You can read more about the launch and what this platform can do in this press release.
Overview of the event
Over the course of the two days, an impressive list of speakers joined delegates in discussing the key themes of multi-level governance, EU Cohesion policy, and regional spatial planning and economic development. These themes are pivotal in shaping the future of regional development and ensuring that policies are effectively implemented to benefit all regions in Ireland.
Attendees learned about the evolving space of governance in Ireland from such speakers as Dorothée Allain-Dupré, Head of the Regional Development and Multi-level Governance Division at the OECD, Mayor John Moran of Limerick and Elaine Lynch of the Association if Irish Local Government (AILG). Following a recorded message from Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reform in the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto (see video message below), speakers of the second session including Sari Rautio, member of the High-Level Group on the Future of Cohesion policy and EPP Group Leader in the Committee of the Regions (CoR), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, Cllr Kieran McCarthy of Cork City Council and CoR Member, and Ellen Mulder-Metselaar, Director International Relations & Public Affairs, Province of Gelderland in the Netherlands, helped attendees explore the future of Cohesion Policy post-2027 and how Regions can benefit from engaging at EU level. The third session brought together speakers such as Marie Donnelly, Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council, Brendan O’Sullivan, University College Cork Centre for Planning and Education & Research, Jonathan Patchell and David Barret from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Caoimhín Ó Ciaruáin, Department of Transport, to discuss the future of planning in Ireland with specific attention to the economic, climate and transport dimensions.
The full agenda with all speakers listed can be downloaded here.
At the dinner on the 5th of February, Brian Cody, Kilkenny Hurling Manager and eleven-time All Ireland Winning Manager, treated guests to an inspirational keynote speech. He shared stories about his extraordinary hurling career, emphasising the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks, nurturing team spirit at the grassroots, and working together to make decisions for the long-term greater good.
Complementing the informative sessions and debates, the seminar featured an exhibition space showcasing some of the outstanding work and initiatives that have been undertaken by the three Regional Assemblies over the past decade. This exhibition highlighted the tangible impacts and successes achieved, demonstrating the importance of collaborative efforts in regional planning and development.
Notes:
The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) is the representative body of the three Regional Assemblies in Ireland – the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly. Established in 2015, the three Regional Assemblies promote coordinated planning and sustainable development, work to support economic development, manage EU funding programmes, and enhance regional collaboration. They provide strategic input into policy-making, ensuring alignment with national and EU objectives while addressing the unique needs of their respective regions. By fostering partnerships between local authorities, state agencies, and stakeholders, the Assemblies help shape a balanced and thriving Ireland.
Ministers announce €60 million for THRIVE scheme to revitalise heritage buildings in Southern, Eastern and Midland Regions
On 16 January 2025, Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister Alan Dillon announced that €60 million in funding is available through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Southern Eastern and Midland Regional Programme to restore vacant or derelict heritage buildings in public ownership; revitalising urban centres, bringing valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets and delivering on New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First policies.
Building on the success of the initial funding round in 2024, the Southern Regional Assembly is pleased to open the second call for applications under Strand 2 of THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme – from 16th January 2025 with awards of up to €7 million available to refurbish, restore, and adapt publicly owned heritage buildings within town centres.
THRIVE empowers local authorities to reimagine and adapt heritage buildings, preserving their historical and cultural significance while creating vibrant and sustainable urban spaces.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:
“I very much welcome the launch of the new €85 million THRIVE call under the ERDF Regional Programmes. This funding gives local authorities the tools to bring Ireland’s heritage buildings into the 21st century, not only preserving and protecting these important heritage assets, but also ensuring their sustainable re-use for future generations. I look forward to seeing the regeneration benefits that will arise out of this funding and will strengthen the vibrancy of towns and cities throughout Ireland.”
Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, said:
“The THRIVE scheme underscores our commitment to tackling vacancy, promoting heritage-led regeneration, and delivering on the Town Centre First policy. The Town Centre First approach ensures that local authorities are engaged with their citizens in developing new plans to transform and celebrate these underutilised heritage buildings for the benefit of their communities, while breathing new life into towns and urban centres across the country”.
Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly, Cllr Garret Kelleher, said:
“THRIVE offers a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life in our communities by preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of our towns. By focusing on publicly owned buildings, this scheme ensures that restored spaces serve the needs of local citizens while respecting the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.”
With 100% grant aid available, local authorities are encouraged to act swiftly, as this competitive funding opportunity promises to generate significant interest nationwide.
Heritage buildings are defined as structures with unique architectural, historical, archaeological, or artistic qualities, or those that hold cultural and economic significance to their locations.
Projects funded under THRIVE are required to embrace the values of the New European Bauhaus, incorporating sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. The initiative also encourages a citizen-centred, community-led approach to planning, design, and project selection within the Town Centre First framework.
THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midlands Regional Programme 21-27. The scheme has been co-designed by the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address European, national and regional policy objectives.
The funding call will be managed by the ERDF Managing Authority the Southern Regional Assembly. Application guidelines and eligibility criteria are available on their respective websites at www.southernassembly.ie and www.nwra.ie.
Midlands Lead the Way: EUJTF Projects Showcase Sustainable Innovations
Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), in collaboration with Technological University Shannon (TUS), Midlands Campus in Athlone today brought together on Wednesday 4 December 2024 five key projects funded by the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) who are driving innovation in carbon neutrality and transforming the Midlands region for a panel discussion, dubbed “Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the Midlands”.
The EU JTF aims to support the most negatively impacted regions and communities across Europe that are affected by the transition to climate neutrality by providing funding to enable sustainable innovation across the region. In Ireland the EU JTF programme focuses on the wider Midlands area, and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
Welcoming attendees to the event included Lorna Walsh, Director of Research Support Services at TUS Midlands, Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel, representative from DG REGIO (Department for regional and urban policy) of the European Commission, and Terry Connolly, Programme Manager of the EU Just Transition Fund in EMRA.
A panel of five projects then were invited to share their experiences so far and how the projects will impact the region.
The five projects and speakers who participated in the panel moderated by Bernie Roe, Assistant Director, EU Just Transition Fund and Corporate in EMRA, included:
- Brendan Flanagan, Founder of Ethical Tours and EU JTF beneficiary, who shared insights on sustainable tourism.
- Jennifer Payne, Business Development Manager, CycleUp Textiles, who discussed the circular economy practices and community empowerment through textile upcycling.
- Stephen Napier, CEO of Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, who explored the innovations in sustainable biotechnologies.
- Professor Neil Rowan, Lead Principal Investigator, Mount Lucas Circular Bioeconomy Aquaculture Initiative, who presented advancements in circular aquaculture.
- Carmel Halligan, ReSHAPE, Programme Manager, highlighting TUS’s role in skills development for a low-carbon economy.
Commenting on the event, EMRA Programme Manager, Terry Connolly, said:
“The EU Just Transition is a transformative concept for communities in the Midlands, harnessing our abilities in sustainable innovation and economic transformation. Today’s event showcased how these projects are not only addressing climate neutrality but also creating meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and local communities to thrive in a greener future.”
Director of Research Support Services, TUS Midlands, Lorna Walsh, added
“TUS Midlands are honoured to play host to today’s panel which showcases the very best of what the Midlands has to offer in driving sustainable innovations across Ireland. Becoming carbon neutral is a tremendous task, and the collective efforts as demonstrated by our panelists and the EU JTF programme today are playing their role in future-proofing Ireland’s economy. At TUS, we are proud to support initiatives that align education, research, and enterprise to advance sustainability and build resilient communities in the Midlands.”
Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel, programme manager for the EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland at DG REGIO, European Commission, also added:
“I was happy for the opportunity to contribute to today’s event on the EU Just Transition Fund and to hear from projects that showcase what the fund is all about. The EU JTF represents our commitment to supporting the Midlands area in transitioning away from peat for electricity generation. Thanks to the fund, new jobs are being created in green sectors such as sustainable tourism and the bioeconomy, contributing to the economic diversification of the Midlands area. It is an opportunity for everyone who wants to contribute to a greener and stronger Midlands, and I encourage potential beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity.”
To learn more about the EU Just Transition Fund, read here.
Have your say in the future Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Corporate Plan
The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is currently preparing its new Corporate Plan. The Corporate Plan is the Assembly’s strategic framework for action over the next five years and will outline the Assembly’s vision, mission and strategic objectives for its new term.
To ensure that this plan is inclusive of all voices in our Region, EMRA is today launching a questionnaire and inviting all residents, businesses, community organisations and interested parties to share their views on the future of our Region.
To participate please fill in the following survey: EMRA survey
Closing date: 12/12/2024
Current corporate plan: EMRA corporate plan
Launch of EU JTF Midlands Pathway to Just Transition Project
A €3.9 million project to boost economic growth in Ireland’s Midlands was launched at the Cube in Portlaoise on 4th October 2024. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, Pathway for Just Transition, aims to support Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath. It was launched by Ministers Eamon Ryan and Peter Burke. The project is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union by the EU Just Transition Fund.
Under the scheme a series of actions will be implemented to support the regions economy in five distinct areas:
- Midlands Pathway to Transition – supporting the transition to a net zero economy
- Delivering the Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan
- Delivering the Midlands ICT Action Plan
- Delivering the Midlands Ireland Placemaking Programme
- Delivering the Midlands Ireland Regional Food and Drink Strategy
In addition to supporting economic development this Midlands Pathway Plan places a heavy emphasis on education and future skills. There will be an expansion of award-winning regional STEM education programmes, such as Dream Space and VEX Robotics, to over 280 primary and secondary schools across the region. The programme will also support investment in digitalisation and equipment for schools.
Appropriate resourcing will be assigned to ensure the delivery of action plans that have been developed to support the growth of the key enterprise sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, ICT and Food and Drink. In addition, the development of career pathways aims to provide people with upskilling and reskilling opportunities, such as in the area of ICT, where a regional skill survey identifies approximately 800 job openings in the next three years.
Speaking at the launch, Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications said
“A just transition is all about ensuring that the benefits and opportunities of the transition to a green economy are shared widely and equally. The purpose of the Just Transition Fund is to help communities not only move towards a new green future, but to ensure that they thrive, that they are great places to live and work and that they have a strong economic path and future. This Enterprise Plan is about hooking into the ingenuity, drive and innovation that is here in the Midlands and turning it into a vibrant economic region that will deliver real improvements for people right across the four counties while also supporting ongoing decarbonisation.”
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, said
“The launching of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition project is an important occasion for not just the EU Just Transition Fund programme but also for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, having been instrumental in the inception of the EUJTF Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme. It is a testament to the Regional Assembly, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and Pobal’s commitment to supporting local ideas and innovations for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to a climate-neutral economy. This project shows how a regional approach can amplify impacts and we are looking forward to following its progress.”
The project will have a transformative impact on the employment base within the region. The project proposes generating employment, including the provision of ‘Just Transition Officers’, appointed at Local Authority level in Offaly, Longford, Westmeath and Laois. These Officers will seek to directly support impacted communities and facilitate collaboration across Just Transition projects with their technical expertise. They will support and empower those who seek alternative employment and community opportunities, demonstrating the strong commitment of local Authorities in supporting communities across the core EU JTF territory.
Read more on midlandsireland.ie
Pathway to Just Transition Launch