The Mid-West Regional Authority is one eight statutory Regional Authorities in Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...

. 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

County Clare

-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...

, North Tipperary

North Tipperary

North Tipperary is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-West Region and is also located in the province of Munster. It is named after the town of Tipperary and consists of 48% of the land area of the traditional county of Tipperary. The county was established in 1898 and has had a county...

, County Limerick

County Limerick

It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...

 and Limerick City Council

Limerick City Council

Limerick City Council is the local authority which is responsible for the city of Limerick in Ireland. It is the responsible for local government, sanitation, motor vehicles tax, and social housing.-History:...

.

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

Clare County Council

Clare County Council is the local authority which is responsible for County Clare in Ireland. The Council is responsible for Housing and Community, Roads and Transportation, Urban planning and Development, Amenity and Culture, and Environment....

, Limerick County Council

Limerick County Council

Limerick County Council is the local authority which is responsible for County Limerick in Ireland. The Council is responsible for housing and community, roads and transportation, urban planning and development, amenity and culture, and environment. The head of the council has the title of...

, North Tipperary County Council

North Tipperary County Council

North Tipperary County Council is the local authority which is responsible for the county of North Tipperary in Ireland. The Council is responsible for Housing and Community, Roads and Transportation, Urban planning and Development, Amenity and Culture, and Environment. The county seat is in Nenagh...

 and Limerick City Council

Limerick City Council

Limerick City Council is the local authority which is responsible for the city of Limerick in Ireland. It is the responsible for local government, sanitation, motor vehicles tax, and social housing.-History:...

.

External links

• Mid-West Regional Authority