Regional Assemblies Address Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs
Coinciding with the European Week of Regions and Cities, representatives from Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs to discuss key priorities for Ireland’s regions and their relationship with the European Union.
The discussion focused on:
- Management and oversight of EU funding and its impact
- The importance and future of Cohesion funding for regional and local development
- Empowering Regional Assemblies to unlock greater opportunities and value from the EU
The Assemblies play a vital role in connecting EU policy and funding with communities on the ground, ensuring that European investment delivers tangible benefits for regions across Ireland.
Representing the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) were Acting Director Clare Bannon, Cathaoirleach Cllr David Healy and Cllr Rob Power, who highlighted the positive work of the Assemblies in linking European investment to local action and opportunities. They were joined by colleagues from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Barry Ward said:
“We welcome the opportunity to meet with the regional assemblies. The meeting will also focus on the European Regional Development Fund, which is an important cornerstone of cohesion funding provided by the EU. The meeting allows us to build upon the Committee’s engagement with the President of the European Committee of the Regions, who the Committee met last Wednesday, the 1st of October.
The Committee will explore the current experience of regional assemblies in delivering EU funding for cohesion projects which will also help inform the delivery of regional development funding under the next EU budget.”
The engagement underlines the importance of collaboration between national and regional bodies to ensure Ireland continues to benefit from EU cohesion policy and funding.
To watch back the full debate visit https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/joint_committee_on_european_union_affairs/2025-10-15/
