South-West Regional Authority

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The South West Regional Authority is one of eight Authorities established by the Government under the Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Authority Establishment Orders 1993). The Authority comprises 24 elected members from the constituent Local Authorities within the Region: Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kerry County Council. This includes the region’s representative on the EU Committee of the Regions. The Regional Authority is placed strategically between National Government and Local Government and provides a strategic planning and co-ordinating role between these other levels of governance. The members of the Regional Authority meet once a month and their work is assisted by two Operational committees. The main role and function of the Regional Authority are: (a) to promote co-ordination and, where appropriate, co-operation , joint action , joint arrangements, agreements, communication or consultation between local authorities or other public authorities in the region or between such authorities of other regions; and (b), to promote co-ordination, consistency and compatibility with programmes, plans policies, proposals or objectives of the Government or any Minister of the Government.

1 Regional Priorities
2 European Priorities
3 European Experience
4 Members
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Regional Priorities

The South West is notable in two respects at least, one that it is a highly scenic region, with large numbers of visitors, who come to the region each year to experience the warm welcome, the traditional music and heritage and to enjoy the wonderful environment. On the other hand it is a highly prosperous region and the headquarters for many multinational corporations, engaged mainly in the food sector and in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries. These industries are mainly concentrated around Cork City and its environs. The regions stringent policies in relation to industrial development and the excellent standards operated by industry in the region, clearly demonstrate that one can have high levels of development and yet retain a pristine environment. Agriculture and other traditional primary sector activities are in decline in the region and a key priority is to develop the region within the knowledge economy with a strong emphasis on the growth of small indigenous companies.

[edit] European Priorities

The South West region is interested in working with other EU regions and partners on programmes and initiatives that can contribute to addressing the above priorities and which add value to the work being undertaken within the region. In addition, the South West is specifically interested in participating in European projects and initiatives in the following areas: developing regional research potential, regional innovation, supporting regional industrial clusters, eGovernment and eDemocracy, and tourism and leisure.

[edit] European Experience

The South West has been an active partner in many European projects under the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth framework programmes, we are also very active in Interreg projects and have developed a level of experience in the areas of Information and Communications technologies and tourism development