With regard to EU projects, the functions of the Mid-West Regional Authority are broadly defined to include:

• The 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

• Promotion of co-operation, joint action etc. between local authorities, public authorities and/or others

The Mid-West Regional Authority (MWRA) is currently participating in seven EU co-financed projects. The aim of all seven projects is to promote the strengths of the Mid-West Region at a European level and also to benefit from experiences in other regions in Europe.

WEASTflows

The WEASTflows project aims at the development of improved freight transport logistics systems and chains, in the context of North West Europe transnational transport corridors and regional/city distribution systems, in particular by using the potential of ICT technologies, especially in the context of intermodal transport chains (water, air, road, rail). Click here for details of the WEASTflows project.

DIEGO

An ICT project with the main target of improving the provision of e-Government services, accessible to all citizens and removing barriers to the use of existing IT services. MWRA is working with Limerick City Council and using the www.limerick.ie website.

FRESH

A research project with the overall aim of strengthening regional sustainable development, whilst promoting economic growth. The MWRA is focusing on the area of sustainable urban living with the focus on sustainable construction.

NEA2

This project aims to develop a cutting-edge watersports sector within the Atlantic Area by promoting the economic performance of the sector, by ensuring environmental protection is embedded in the sector and ensuring watersports are accessible to all members of society. This project follows on from the NEA1 project, of which the MWRA was a key partner.

 

Parks Atlantic

The main target of this project is to enhance the inherent value of urban and peri-urban parks in the Atlantic Area and to boost their contribution to sustainable development. MWRA is working in partnership with Limerick City Council to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS) to create an inventory of all parks in the region, identify their strengths and weaknesses and define general guidelines as to how the parks can be promoted for use in tourism, as an educational resource etc.

BioMob

A project to develop a Joint Action Plan for the mobilisation of biomass resources in the region through Research and Development. The MWRA is working with the Local Authorities, via the Local Energy Agencies, with Shannon Development and with U.L. and the Institutes of Technology in the region.

Innovate

The aim of this project is to increase the ability of local and regional authorities to promote economic change and to develop a knowledge-based and innovative economy. MWRA is working with North Tipperary County Council to deliver this project.

Benefits to the Region

• Co-financing of regional projects by the EU Regional Development Fund
• Direction of EU assistance to support co-ordinated local and regional development
• Benefit from knowledge transfer amongst partner regions
• Promote the Mid-West as a Region of Knowledge at a European level

For further information on any of these projects, please contact Deirdre Byrne or Linda Newport, EU Projects Officers on 067-33197.