Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region

The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) is a strategic plan which identifies regional assets, opportunities and pressures and provides appropriate policy responses in the form of Regional Policy Objectives.

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 (RSES)

The RSES together with supporting information is now available to download:

RSES Main Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES

RSES - Executive Summary Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Executive Summary

RSES - Appendices Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Appendices

RSES - SEA Statement Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: SEA Statement

RSES - Natura Impact Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Natura Impact Report

RSES - Appropriate Assessment Determination Report Thumbnail

EMRA RSES: Appropriate Assessment Determination

The primary statutory objective of the Strategy is to support implementation of Project Ireland 2040 – which links planning and investment through the National Planning Framework (NPF) and ten- year National Development Plan (NDP) – and the economic and climate policies of the Government by providing a long-term strategic planning and investment framework for the Region.

The RSES has been implemented in policy by way of review by local authorities in the region of all City and County Development Plans and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs), to ensure their consistency with national and regional policy. Key state agencies and sectoral bodies are also required to consider their strategies and investment plans in light of the adoption of the RSES.

The RSES provides a:


  • Spatial Strategy – to manage future growth and ensure the creation of healthy and attractive places to live and work
  • Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) – to ensure continued competitiveness of Dublin and a supply of strategic development for sustainable growth
  • Economic Strategy – that builds on our strengths to create a strong economy and jobs, that ensures a good living standard and economic opportunity for all
  • Climate Action Strategy – to accelerate action and ensure a clean and healthy environment, sustainable transport and green infrastructure.
  • Investment Framework – to prioritise the delivery of infrastructure and enabling services by government and state agencies

Also in this section

Latest News & Events

Regional Assemblies and Maynooth University launch innovative National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) dashboard

6 February 2025, EMRA, NWRA and SRA in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University, launched the National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy Visualisation Dashboard.

AIR Seminar Celebrates a Decade of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) held its 3rd annual training seminar in Athlone on 5-6 February 2025. The event celebrated 10 years of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland and launched the National Census Atlas & S3 Visualisation Dashboard.
THRIVE Call 2

Ministers announce €60 million for THRIVE scheme to revitalise heritage buildings in Southern, Eastern and Midland Regions

Announcement of €60 million in funding through the ERDF THRIVE scheme, with awards of up to €7 million available to refurbish, restore, and adapt publicly owned heritage buildings within town centres.
Photo from event called "Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the Midlands" showing a group of men and women holding a sign that says #EUinmyRegion

Midlands Lead the Way: EUJTF Projects Showcase Sustainable Innovations

An event on 4 December at TUS Athlone showcased five projects that are receiving EU JTF support and talked about driving innovation in carbon neutrality and transforming the Midlands.
Close up of hands showing people planning work streams

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…

Launch of EU JTF Midlands Pathway to Just Transition Project

The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP), Pathway for Just Transition, a €3.9million EU JTF-funded project to boost economic growth in Ireland's Midlands, was launched in Portlaoise on 4 October 2024 by Ministers Ryan and Burke.
Industrial buildings in the Eastern and Midland Region

‘Regional Innovation Valley’ status given to Ireland’s 3 Regions by European Commission

EMRA along with all the other two of Ireland's regions have been designated as 'Regional Innovation Valleys' by the European Commission.
Wooden trail with text overlay announcing project selected

Projects Selected for EU JTF Community and Enterprise Grants

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, today has announced that 15 sustainability-focused projects in the Midlands will…
EMRA Director, Cathaoirleach, and CE Laois

First meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

First meeting of the new Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly was held on Friday 12th July 2024 following local elections.

EU Just Transition Fund highlighted at the National Recovery and Resilience Plan annual event

EU JTF attends the annual event for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan on 11 July 2024.
Vista at Clonmacnoise with text overlay announcing EU JTF projects selected

Over €32million in investment grants announced for regenerative tourism projects in Midlands

Fáilte Ireland announced the first round of approved projects that will receive grant funding under the EU Just Transition Fund. Click in to see what got funding in this batch!

Local projects in the Midlands to receive grants amounting to €18 million under EU Just Transition Fund programme

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, today announced the 15 projects in the Midlands that will receive grant awards…

The primary objective of the RSES

The primary statutory objective of the Strategy is to support implementation of Project Ireland 2040 – which links planning and investment through the National Planning Framework (NPF) and ten- year National Development Plan (NDP) – and the economic and climate policies of the Government by providing a long-term strategic planning and investment framework for the Region.

The RSES will be implemented in policy by way of review by local authorities of all development plans and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs), to ensure their consistency with national and regional policy. Key state agencies and sectoral bodies will also have to consider their strategies and investment plans in light of the adoption of the RSES.

The RSES provides a:


  • Spatial Strategy – to manage future growth and ensure the creation of healthy and attractive places to live and work
  • Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) – to ensure continued competitiveness of Dublin and a supply of strategic development for sustainable growth
  • Economic Strategy – that builds on our strengths to create a strong economy and jobs, that ensures a good living standard and economic opportunity for all
  • Climate Action Strategy – to accelerate action and ensure a clean and healthy environment, sustainable transport and green infrastructure.
  • Investment Framework – to prioritise the delivery of infrastructure and enabling services by government and state agencies