Mid-West Regional Authority

The Mid-West Regional Authority (Irish: Údarás Réigúinach an Mheán Iarthair) is one eight statutory Regional Authorities in Ireland. The region comprises about 10% of the national land area and population of the country. The Authority comprises the area under the local government councils of County Clare, North Tipperary, County Limerick and Limerick City Council.

Establishment

The Mid-West Regional Authority was established with effect from 1 January 1994 under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1991 (Regional Authorities) (Establishment) Order, 1993. This Establishment Order was made by the Minister for the Environment with the consent of the Minister for Finance under Sections 3 and 43 of the Local Government Act, 1991.

Powers, Functions and Duties

Regional Authorities have been given a general competence to do all things necessary and expedient for the effective performance of their functions, including wide consultation with local, regional and other public authorities, engagement of consultants and advisers, participating in or promoting research, borrowing, purchase and leasing of land and property, requesting information and attendance at a meeting of representatives from any local or public authority.

The principle functions include:

• Promotion of co-ordination in the provision of public services in the region
• Promotion of co-operation, joint action etc. between local authorities, public authorities and/or others
• Reviewing the overall development needs of the region and the making of statements on them as appropriate, and keeping under review the provision of public services in the region
• Reviewing the Development Plans of local authorities in the region and in adjoining regions
• Preparation of a Regional Report (Plan) covering development needs, review of local authority development plans and the provision of public services in the region
• Provision of proposals, advice, recommendations or information to Government in relation to applications for E.U. assistance
• Reviewing and monitoring the implementation of measures for which E.U. assistance is made available
• Preparation of Programme of Work, estimate of Expenditure and Receipts, Statement of Accounts and Annual Report
• Preparation of Regional Planning Guidelines (Planning and Development Act 2000)
• Provide, at the request of the Minister of Finance information, recommendations and/or advice in connection with the preparation of any plan, programme or other measure for the purpose of making or supporting an application to the E.U. for financial assistance.

Committees

The Authority is assisted by two committees, namely the Operational Committee and the EU Operational Committee.

The Operational Committee is composed of 21 Members who assist and advise the Authority on matters relating to its functions. The Committee is chaired by the Authority's Cathaoirleach and its membership is drawn from Senior Management of Local Authorities, and other Public Service Agencies in the Region.

The EU Operational Committee assists the Authority on matters relating to EU Assistance, such as its responsibility to review the implementation in the Region of the various EU Operational Programmes, and making recommendations in relation thereto to the various monitoring committees.

Membership

The Mid-West Regional Authority has twenty-seven elected representatives who are nominated to the Authority by each of the constituent ocal Authorities: Clare County Council, Limerick County Council, North Tipperary County Council and Limerick City Council.

See also

• Regional Authorities in Ireland
• List of regions of the Republic of Ireland

External links

• Mid-West Regional Authority