The Border Midland and Western Regional Assembly was one of two Regional Assemblies established in 1999 by the Irish Government to give effect to the division of the country into two regions for Structural Funds purposes. The BMW region retained full Objective 1 status for the period to 2006, and the Southern and Eastern region qualified for a six year phasing-out regime for Objective 1 funding up to the end of 2005.

For the 2007-13 funding period, the BMW region no longer qualifies for Objective 1 funding (having a GDP per capita above 75% of the EU average) and qualifies instead as a phasing-in region for Objective 2 funding (Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective).

The Regional Assembly comprises 29 elected members nominated by 14 the constituent local authorities, within the BMW region.

1. Manage the BMW Regional Operational Programme;
   
2. Monitor the general impact of all EU and Irish exchequer-funded programmes in the Border, Midland and West region;
   
3. Promote the co-ordination of the provision of Public Services in the region; and
   
4. Ensure that national policies take regional issues into account

The Headquarters of the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly is located in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Meetings of the Assembly take place six times per annum. A joint meeting with the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly takes place annually.

Each committee comprises equal membership of elected members and public officials in the region. The joint sub-committees meet 4 times per annum and are chaired by an elected member.

The main roles of the BMW Regional Assembly are to:

• Manage the BMW Regional Operational Programmes 2000-2006 and 2007-13;

• Monitor the general impact of all EU and Irish exchequer-funded programmes in the Border, Midland and West region;

• Promote the co-ordination of the provision of Public Services in the region;

• Ensure that national policies take regional issues into account.

Organisational Structure

The geographical area of the BMW Region covers 47% of the landmass of the Republic of Ireland, comprises 27% of the county’s population and encompasses the following 13 counties:

Ireland was treated as one single region when receiving funding from the European Union up until 1999.

Ireland had been classified an Objective 1 country and designated as one of the regions in the EU most in need of additional support to aid its development. To qualify for Objective 1 status the GDP per capita of a region must be less than 75% of the EU average over a number of reference years. By 2000, Ireland’s GDP had risen above this threshold, however there remained significant differences in the extent of economic development between several regions within the State.

In order to address these regional disparities, the country was divided into two regions for EU Structural Funds purposes; the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Region and the Southern and Eastern (S&E) Region.

This designation facilitated the full retention of Objective 1 status in the BMW Region for the period 2000-2006, while the S&E Region became an Objective 1 ‘phasing out’ region.

For the 2007-2013 Programming Period the BMW Region is categorised as a "phasing in" region under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Strand (Objective 2) and the BMW Region receives European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding of €229m and a further €229m from the European Social Fund (ESF)

The BMW Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013 has a planned investment of €458m of which €229m is provided by the EU Structural Funds under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective. One of the conditions of the Region’s designation as an Objective 2 ‘phasing in’ region is that 79% of the EU contribution has been committed over the first three years of the programme.

Councillor Cyril Burke from Ballyglass, Castlebar, Co Mayo has been elected unopposed as the new Cathaoirleach of the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly at their Annual General Meeting on Friday 22nd July, 2011 in Kilkenny, which was attended by Mr.Phil Hogan T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. Councillor Burke was first co opted onto Mayo County Council in 2003 for the Castlebar electoral area to fill the seat vacated by his brother Senator Paddy Burke. Cllr. Burke has been a member of the BMW Regional Assembly and the West Regional Authority since 2004. Cllr Burke is PRO of LAMA since 2009 and a member of the Cultural and Educational SPC of Mayo County Council since 2009. Cyril is actively involved with a number of Community Groups in Mayo. Cllr James Deegan from Laois was elected Leas Cathaoirleacht.
In accepting the position, Councillor Burke said that he was both honoured and privileged to be elected Cathaoirleach of the Assembly. He informed the meeting that he would work to promote the whole BMW Region and ensure that the region’s resources were fully exploited, including the talents of its young educated labour force. He stated that the BMW region had valuable wind, wave and ocean resources and that the enabling infrastructure should be put in place to exploit these. Councillor Burke acknowledged that these were challenging times but stressed that he had confidence in the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Government to lead the country through the challenges that lay ahead.
Cllr. Bourke thanked the members for their unanimous support. He acknowledged the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Flanagan for the wonderful job he had done over the past year and for his chairing of meetings with firmness and fairness. He also thanked the outgoing Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Aiden Boyle.
Mr. Gerry Finn, Director of the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly, congratulated Councillor Burke on his appointment and stated that he looked forward to working with him over the coming year. He also paid tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Councillor Joe Flanagan for the effective way in which he discharged his duties over his term as Cathaoirleach and to Councillor Aiden Boyle who acted as Leas Cathaoirleach for the past year.

An initial grant of € 0.38 million by the BMW Regional Assembly under an ERDF grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns has been paid towards the Mullingar Cycle ways Project. This payment is the first instalment of €1.2m grant awarded in 2009 for this project. Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide ERDF financial support towards this project in Mullingar. The project has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the sustainable economic development of Mullingar and we congratulate all those involved in this important project. To date 13km of cycle ways have been constructed and when completed the project will support the creation of approximately 20km of cycle lanes taking cyclists from their homes to their places of employment, school or shops, as safely, comfortably, quickly and conveniently as possible. The cycleways include appropriately coloured and textured surfacing, signage, cycle parking facilities, and connectivity with existing cycle routes. The provision of these cycle lanes, combined with existing facilities will lead to a significant increase in the number of people cycling in Mullingar leading to less congestion, reduced emissions and a healthier population. The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

On 9th June, the Border, Midlands and Western Region (BMW) became the 151th member of the Confederation of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR). Mr Joe Flanagan (Chair) and Mr Gerry Lavelle (Programme Executive) presented the credentials of the BMW to the CMPR Atlantic Arc Commission General Assembly in La Rochelle and were welcomed by Mr Laurent Beauvais, President of the Atlantic Arc Commission and of the Region of Basse-Normandy as new members.
"Membership of the CPMR would provide the BMW with a unique opportunity to learn from initiatives in other peripheral coastal regions in terms of job creation and sustainable growth based on the development of marine resources, said Mr Flanagan. It would also enable the BMW Region to ensure that its interests were well represented in the forthcoming European Union Strategy for the Atlantic (EUSA)", he added.
Mr Paul Nemitz, DG MARE, told the Assembly that the Commission intended to publish a Communication on the EUSA in the autumn and then initiate a dialogue with Member States and stakeholders to identify specific initiatives and implementation tools to be included in an Action Plan. "The Action Plan", he said, "would be designed to optimise the unique characteristics and resources of the European Atlantic, including its significant renewable marine energy, bio-resources and tourism potential". "Implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Europe 2020 Strategy by Member States will be central to the success of the EUSA", he added.
Also attending the General Assembly were Ms Ciara Delaney, Irish Attaché for Maritime Affairs, Irish Permanent Representation to the EU, Brussels, who outlined the Irish Government’s very positive views on the benefits of a European Union Strategy for the Atlantic (EUSA). Mr Geoffrey O’Sullivan (Marine Institute) presented a pan-European FP7 Project, SEAS-ERA that is developing a Strategic Research Agenda for the European Atlantic Sea-Basin as an input to the EUSA.
The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (www.cpmr.org) is a network of 160 Peripheral Regions representing 28 European countries. The CPMR works to ensure that EU institutions and national governments take account of their common interests, and cooperate on practical projects in order to enhance their assets. The Atlantic Arc Commission (AAC) is one of the six Geographical Commissions of the CPMR, The Atlantic Arc Commission covers 27 Atlantic Regions who co-operate to promote initiatives of mutual interest. These have included the first trans-national prospective study of the area entitled "Europe 2000" and the selection of the Atlantic Arc as a territory for the implementation of the INTERREG cooperation programmes. More recently, the AAC have been active supporters of the proposed European Union Strategy for the Atlantic (EUSA) and have made significant inputs to its aims, objectives and modus operandi.

The official re-opening of The Model Sligo which took place on Thursday June 9th has been welcomed by the Director of the BMW Regional Assembly. The redevelopment and refurbishment of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery by Sligo County Council was supported by a grant of €2.4 million awarded by the BMW Regional Assembly under an ERDF grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns. The Model:Niland project is the largest beneficiaryin the BMW Region under the grant scheme.
Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide financial support towards this flagship project in Sligo. This multi-purpose arts venue has the potential to make a major contribution to both the cultural and economic development of Sligo and we congratulate all those involved in the transformation of this important asset. It presents an opportunity to build upon of the reputation of Sligo as a centre for the creative industries and to develop the potential that exists for attracting both domestic and international visitors to the North West. This development forms a key part of a wider strategy to position Sligo as a major centre for the arts and creative sectors.'
The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

A second grant of €0.32 million by the BMW Regional Assembly under an ERDF grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns has been paid towards the Castlebar Town Centre Regeneration Project, bringing the total paid to date to €0.65 million, which consists of the town centre regeneration and streetscape refurbishment along with the development of the river walk as an amenity corridor.

Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide ERDF financial support towards this project in Castlebar. This project has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the sustainable economic development of Castlebar and we congratulate all those involved in this important project.

Cllr Cyril Burke, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly said that the project is designed to significantly improve the urban environment of Main Street, Castle Street, Linenhall Hall Street and to develop a river walk along the Castlebar river which will encourage and sustain economic development and will encourage business investment and innovation.

The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

An initial grant of € 0.43 million by the BMW Regional Assembly under an ERDF grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns has been paid towards the Ballina Town Centre Regeneration Project. The project includes the regeneration of Pearse Street along with the refurbishment of the former bank on Pearse Street to house the Jackie Clarke Library and Archives.

Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide ERDF financial support towards this project in Ballina. This project has the potential to attract more consumers and investors to the town centre commercial area of Ballina and boost the local economy and has already helped Ballina to gain an extra 14 points and favourable comments from the adjudicators in this year’s Tidy Towns competition.

Cllr Cyril Burke, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly said that the project will allow Ballina make a greater contribution to the performance of the Region and he complimented all those involved in the project.

The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

Welcoming the announcement by Ireland West Airport Knock of four new direct services operated by Ryanair to Barcelona, Frankfurt, Milan and Paris, the Director of the Border, Midland and Western Region Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn, emphasised the wonderful opportunity presented to surrounding counties to maximise the impact of the arrival of 45,000 additional inward visitors to the West and North West Regions in particular.

Mr. Finn stated, The potential for the development of the tourist industry in the West and North West Regions has long been identified as dependent upon direct air access to these regions. These additional visitors will stimulate employment in hotels, restaurants, bars and at visitor centres across the region.

An analysis carried out by the BMW Regional Assembly in 2010 highlighted the significant economic contribution of regional airports to the broad regional economy in terms of business access, tourism development and inward investment.

This announcement by Ryanair will reinforce the contribution of Knock Airport to the BMW regional economy and helps to secure the future viability of the airport and sustain employment at the facility there.

Atlantic Area Programme Conference 2012

The Marine Economy – A key component of the EU Strategy for the Atlantic Area

The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin

Tuesday February 7th 2012

A payment of €300,000 has been issued by the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly to Mayo County Council towards the Ballina Town Centre Regeneration Project. A total of €737,000 has been paid to date by the Assembly under a European Regional Development Fund grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns in the BMW Region. Funding has been provided for the refurbishment of Pearse Street along with improvements to the former bank on Pearse Street to house the Jackie Clarke Library and Archives.

Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide financial support towards this project particularily in these economic challenging times. This project will enhance Ballina town centre and encourage greater economic and social activity in the area’.

Cllr Cyril Burke Member of Mayo County Council and Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly stated ‘this project represents a significant strategic investment in Ballina Town and should give the town an economic and confidence boost. I would like to congratulate all those who were involved in the project’.

The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

The third payment totalling €444,000 has been issued to Mayo County Council by the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly towards the Castlebar Town Centre Regeneration Project. This project is focused upon revitalising Castlebar through a programme of town centre regeneration and streetscape refurbishment along with the development of the river walk as an amenity corridor. A total of €1.1m has been provided by the Assembly towards this project to date, under a European Regional Development Fund grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns.

Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide financial support towards this strategic project in Castlebar. This project has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the sustainable economic development of Castlebar and we congratulate all those involved in this important project’.

Cllr Cyril Burke, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly added ‘I hopes that the project which is designed to significantly improve Castlebar’s Main Street, Castle Street and Linenhall Street will encourage new businesses to open and make the area a more people-friendly environment in which to do business and engage in recreation ’.

Mr. Finn added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

An initial grant of €503,000 by the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly under the European Regional Development Fund grant scheme for the Region’s designated Gateways and Hub Towns has been paid to Monaghan Town Council this week. The grant is towards the enhancement and refurbishment of the Dublin Street area of Monaghan town and the provision of enhanced recreation and amenity facilities.

Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide financial support towards this project in Monaghan. This project has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the sustainable economic development of Monaghan and we congratulate all those involved in this important project’.

The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

The BMW Regional Assembly has announced the award of €1.6m in EU Grant aid to eleven Irish organisations under the EU inter-regional and transnational Atlantic Area Programme 2007-2013. The Assembly which acts as the Irish National Contact Point for the Programme welcomed the success of both NUI Galway and Galway County Council in being awarded funding.

NUIG will receive more than €500,000 for two separate marine projects. The first project will examine marine tidal energy and will involve the Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research based at the University. The second project will also include the Ryan Institute this time in collaboration with the Department of Bio-Chemistry and will focus on the technology transfer of marine biomedical services. Galway County Council has been allocated almost €200,000 to undertake work in the area of marine tidal energy.

Director of the BMW Regional Assembly, Mr. Gerry Finn added, “The Marine Economy is an important component of the economic fabric of the BMW Region. The participation of organisations such as NUI Galway and Galway County Council in EU transnational co-operation projects will further strengthen the BMW Region’s economic ties to EU markets. The projects will complement EU activities ongoing in the region in the maritime sector involving Local Authorities, the Higher Education sector, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute”.

The latest round of projects approved under the Atlantic Area Programme brings to 43, the total number of transnational projects approved by the Programme with Irish partners since 2008. The cumulative benefit to Ireland from the programme to date is €10.2m in EU grant assistance.

Ireland’s oceans were described as an extraordinary natural resource by Simon Coveney, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine at a marine economy conference held in Malahide, Co. Dublin on Tuesday last. The Conference entitled ‘The Marine Economy: A key component of the EU Integrated Strategy for the Atlantic Area’ was hosted by the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly, on behalf of the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme.

Opening the conference, Councillor Cyril Burke, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly stated that Ireland’s ocean economy generates €3.4bn in turnover per annum, employs 17,000 people and is part of a €1.2trillion global industry. Councillor Burke identified the potential of marine renewable energies, seafood, shipping, biotechnology and marine tourism. The value of these emerging sectors was also emphasised by Dr. Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive of the Marine Institute, who highlighted that Ireland’s marine area was ten times its land area. Dr. Heffernan stated that Ireland had the research capacity, the specialised infrastructures and the international linkages to be a world leader in converging marine technologies

Minister Coveney informed the conference of his Department’s role in the preparation of an integrated marine plan for Ireland and invited submissions from all stakeholders before the end of March next. Minister Coveney stated that the marine sector was a huge global industry with the potential to generate sustainable wealth and that Ireland has the capacity to take a leadership position in marine technologies, building on the world class research and innovation facilities here, including those at the Marine Institute and at NUIG in Galway. He welcomed the EU’s proposed Atlantic Strategy and stated that Ireland would be at the heart of this new strategy. He called for greater ambition in Ireland to fulfil the obvious potential within the marine sector.

Speaking on behalf of the EU Commission, Matthew King described the process facilitated by the Directorate-General for Marine Affairs to develop an agreed integrated strategy for the Atlantic Area and was currently engaged in consultation with each Member State to generate new ideas and priority actions.

Teresa Lameiras, from the Portuguese Managing Authority for the Atlantic Area Interreg Programme, outlined the programme to the conference and described how the trans-national projects co-funded under the programme were contributing to the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. This programme has supported 69 Irish partners to the value of €10.2m since 2008. Ms. Lameiras stated that the Atlantic Area Interreg Programme offered an ideal vehicle to implement joint actions under the Atlantic Area strategy.

Dr. Stephen Hynes presented the work of the Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit at NUI Galway and its development of expertise in the construction of comprehensive databases on the economic value of marine sectors in Ireland.

Other speakers at the conference presented innovative joint projects that had been supported under the Atlantic Area Interreg Programme, in sectors such as shipping, marine tourism, ocean energy, responding to maritime disasters and sustainable fisheries management. The conference was attended by 170 delegates from across the Atlantic Area from public and private organisations, local and regional authorities, universities and research institutions.

Speaking following the conference, Mr. Gerry Finn, Director of the BMW Regional Assembly, stated that the conference had been held at a key time for the marine sector in Ireland with both a national marine plan and an EU-sponsored strategy for the Atlantic Area under preparation. He welcomed Minister Coveney’s positive and ambitious plans for the sector which would be of enormous significance for the BMW region in the years ahead.

Members of the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly have pledged their full backing to the proposed establishment of a Technological University in the BMW Region. The proposal, to merge the Institutes of Technology at Athlone, Dundalk, Galway-Mayo, Letterkenny and Sligo, would see the Border Midlands West Technological University become the largest higher education institution in Ireland with more than 27,000 students.

The endorsement of the plan by the Regional Assembly followed a detailed presentation by Professor Ciarán O’Catháin, President of Athlone Institute of Technology, at a meeting in Ballaghaderreen on Friday. He outlined the benefits that the proposed technological university would have in terms of cost efficiencies and meeting the region’s higher education and workforce skills needs. Prof O’Catháin also emphasised the potential for greater collaboration in the provision of applied research and technology transfer services to the wider business community, whilst also enabling greater opportunities for specialisation by each of the campuses.

Prof O’Catháin concluded by stating that what was now being proposed was in the best long-term interest of the BMW Region. He also called for region-wide buy-in by key public and private sector stakeholders and urged a collective regional response in support of this major initiative.

Speaking following the meeting Mr. Gerry Finn, Director of the BMW Regional Assembly stated that the proposal was a major step forward for the BMW Region and stressed the vital role of higher education in stimulating regional economic development. Mr. Finn highlighted that the potential of the Region’s third level institutions was stressed in the Assembly’s recent major policy report, An Audit of the Innovation System in the BMW Region, and that this proposal for a technological university met a range of recommendations outlined in the report. He added that the BMW Regional Assembly a member of Líonra – the Regional Higher Education Network, has supported collaboration among the Institutes and NUI Galway over many years.

The INTERREG IVC programme is looking for specialised Experts from self-employed individuals, private consultancies, specialised institutions or network bodies to carry out Thematic Programme Capitalisation on INTERREG IVC projects in twelve topics.

The deadline for submitting the applications is the 2 May 2012 at 15:00.

Further information can be found on www.interreg4c.eu

Councillor Cyril Burke, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly, yesterday (Tuesday) handed over a cheque to the value of €700,000 for the Letterkenny Town Centre Regeneration Project to the Chairman of Letterkenny Town Council, Cllr Gerry Mc Monigle. The grant by the BMW Regional Assembly under an ERDF grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns, funded the extensive re-paving and refurbishment of Upper Main Street, which was completed recently, along with enhanced traffic management and pedestrian linkages.

The Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide ERDF financial support towards this project in Letterkenny. This project has the potential to increase competitiveness of local businesses, make Letterkenny a more attractive place to live in and visit, improve the quality of life of its residents and encourage more investors to the Region.

Cllr Cyril Burke, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly said that the project will help Letterkenny to enhance its performance as a Gateway town in the BMW Region and he complimented all those involved in the project.

The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Scheme. This EU co-funded scheme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

The Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D., launched TESLA a €3.8m European co-operation project at the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly headquarters in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Rosommon on Monday April 16th. Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach stated that TESLA, which focuses on innovative supports to small and medium sized business represented a brilliant addition to the opportunities for dynamic small companies and he emphasised that these companies have a key role to play in our economic recovery.

Mr. Kenny stated that European Regional Development Funds have played an important role in the development of Ireland’s economy and the financial transfers from the EU Budget provide vital supports to regional development. The Taoiseach acknowledged the ongoing role of regional bodies in Ireland and stated that there was a wealth of regional proposals that could be developed into achievable projects. The Taoiseach also outlined a number of Government initiatives to help enterprises access finance and to reduce bureaucracy for SMEs.

Councillor Cyril Burke, Cathaoirleach of the BMW Regional Assembly outlined the role of the Regional Assembly in ensuring the successful delivery of European Regional Development Funds Programmes over the past 12 years. He stated that the BMW Regional Assembly had successfully demonstrated its capacity to effectively manage both the previous and current funding periods, with more than €700minvested in the region over the past 12 years. Councillor Burke emphasised the need to retain a focus on the development needs of all regions and to avoid unbalanced regional development.

Following the launch, Mr. Gerry Finn, Director of the BMW Regional Assembly, stated that ‘the launch by the Taoiseach provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the work of the Assembly in managing and delivering EU programmes and in successfully securing additional EU funds. He stated that the Regional Assembly looked forward to leading the TESLA project, which he said, would support a large number of technology-based start-up firms in the BMW Region.

Kieran Moylan, Assistant Director provided the assembled audience with a brief overview of TESLA which is led by the BMW Regional Assembly in partnership with 8 organisations from six EU Member States. The TESLA project which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the INTERREG North West Europe programme, aims to provide a range of supports to early stage, technology-based start-up firms, with export potential. Dr. Moylan set out the 10 project actions which will be delivered in partnership with the Higher Education Institutions. These will help the supported firms to access innovation and product development supports and internationalise more quickly. Overall, 612 firms will access supports and 45 new high potential start-ups are anticipated.

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte, T.D. highlighted the ‘enormous potential of renewable energies to transform the economy of the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Region’. In his address to the BMW Regional Assembly’s annual conference at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo which was attended by 170 delegates, Minister Rabbitte stated that the exploitation of wind and wave resources offered huge opportunities for regional development.

Opening the conference, Councillor Cyril Burke Cathaoirleach of the BMW Regional Assembly stated that Ireland’s regions required an adequate, reliable and competitively priced energy supply which the western seaboard could meet. Councillor Burke stated that the exploitation of renewable energy would generate economic activity and create much needed employment across the region.

The progress being made in the development of Ireland’s renewable energy sector, both onshore and offshore were addressed by Kevin O’Rourke and Eoin Sweeney both from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. They also identified the challenges to be overcome such as grid access, planning consents, financing and community support.

Mr. Peter Hynes, Mayo Country Manager set out a vision for Mayo to become a ‘word leader’ in the provision of renewable energy. He called for a simplification of the regulatory regime and highlighted the importance of community consultation at an early stage of any renewable energy project.

Mr. Maurice McCarthy, Director of Organic Power Ltd presented an overview of a proposed hydro-electric, wind and wave generation facility on the county Mayo coast with the potential to export electricity in the UK. He emphasised the significant job creation potential including 1,000 during the 3-year period of construction and 250 permanent local jobs.

Speaking following the event Mr. Gerry Finn, Director of the BMW Regional Assembly stated that the EU-funded BMW Regional Operational Programme managed by the Assembly had recognised the significance of renewable energy for the Region. Working in cooperation with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the programme had supported the deployment of renewable technologies such as funding for bio-heat plants and ocean energy.

A payment of €90,322.00 has been issued by the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional Assembly to Monaghan Town Council towards the enhancement and refurbishment of the Dublin Street area of Monaghan town and the provision of enhanced recreation and amenity facilities.

A total of €594,000.00 has been paid to date by the Assembly under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant scheme for designated Gateways and Hub Towns in the BMW Region.

Speaking from the BMW Region Assembly’s headquarters in Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon, the Director of the Assembly Mr. Gerry Finn stated, ‘We are delighted to have been in a position to provide ERDF financial support towards this project in Monaghan. This project has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the sustainable economic development of Monaghan and to protect the viability and vitality of the Town Centre and we congratulate all those involved in this important project.

Cllr Cyril Burke, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly said that the project is designed to significantly improve the urban environment of Monaghan Town Centre which will encourage and accommodate commercial and residential development within the town centre.

The Director added, ‘Funding is provided by the Assembly from the BMW Regional Operational Programme under its Gateway and Hub Development Programme. This programme represents a strategic investment by the BMW Regional Assembly in the Region’s Gateways and Hubs as identified in the National Spatial Strategy. In these constrained economic times it is vital that the development of the identified drivers of economic growth in our Region continue to receive as much financial and strategic support as possible’.

The Monitoring Unit is responsible for a number of functions relating to the management and implementation of the Operational Programme, the Unit is also responsible for the collection and provision of data relating to financial and physical indicators.

Management of the Operational Programme is the responsibility of the Managing Authority under the control of the Operational Programme Monitoring Committee. The Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly has been designated as the Managing Authority for the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme. The Managing Authority shall be responsible for managing and implementing the Operational Programme in accordance with the principles of sound financial management. The implementation of the Operational Programme will be overseen by the Operational Programme Monitoring Committee. The Managing Authority and the Monitoring Committee will carry out their monitoring role with reference to financial and physical indicators.

The Finance Unit of the BMW Regional Assembly is one of the sub-divisions who manage and monitor the EU Structural Funds. The roles of responsibility within the finance section are sub-divided in the following sections:

1. Co-operation on External Appraisal Committees All duties in relation to external appraisal committees are carried out at Programme Executive level, who may at his discretion nominate a representative to attend committee meetings in his absence.

2. Article 4 Spot-Checks Article 4 Spot-Checks and other checks throughout the cascade are conducted by the Auditor, who may, from time to time be assisted by Staff Officer. All reports arising from the checks will be prepared by the aforementioned.

3. Review of Final Beneficiary Documentation It will be the responsibility of the finance unit to ensure that Final Beneficiary Bodies retain adequate documentation in support of all claims submitted under the EU Structural Funds.

4. Interreg IV Programmes Promotion and First Level Control A National Correspondent, was appointed to liaise with all claimants under the INTERREG IIIB Atlantic Area programme. Claims under this programme will be submitted in the first instance to National Correspondent and will be checked and certified for payment by staff of the Finance Unit.

5. Innovative Actions II Programme Programme Liaison Officer has been appointed to oversee management of Innovative Actions Programme 2006 – 2008. All claims will be checked and certified for payment at this level. PLO will be supported by Staff Officer.

6. Internal Accounting Procedures The Assembly’s internal accounting records, including the preparation and distribution of annual Estimate of Expenses and Annual Financial Statements will be maintained by Assistant Staff Officer, who will report directly to Programme Executive.

7. Financial Management & Control The Assembly will be responsible for ensuring that all levels of the cascade are kept up to date on requirements within the regulatory system of financial management. This will be conducted through the medium of Seminars which will be held annually throughout the region and be provided completely free of charge to all persons involved in the preparation of claims to be submitted under ERDF Structural Funds.

The Corporate Affairs Unit of the Assembly administers a wide range of services to the elected members, staff and customers. It provides a leading role in the promotion of the Assembly through internal and external communications and is also responsible for the administration and management of human resources, recruitment and training.

In addition to the above, the Corporate Affairs Unit is also responsible for:

• Freedom of Information

• Use of Assembly Chamber by Outside Organisations

• Annual Conference

• Programme of Work

• Visiting Delegations

The BMW Regional Assembly is involved in developing and influencing policy for the Region.
The Regional Assembly influences EU, National and Regional Policy by identifying and highlighting specific needs of the Region and by developing and communicating these policy solutions.

This is achieved by:

• Drafting Policy Submissions to EU, National and Regional Policy Strategies;

• Publishing Research Reports on important policy issues for the BMW Region;

• Highlighting Policy Issues and Proposals via Deputations to Government;

• Monitoring Socio-Economic Trends in the BMW Region.

Territorial Co-Operation (Interreg 2007-2013)

For the 2007-2013 structural funds period, Interreg is a core objective of Cohesion Policy and its new title is ‘Territorial co-operation’ or objective 3 of EU Cohesion Policy. Objective three programmes account for a total budget of some €7.8bn ERDF and comprises Cross Border, Transnational and Interregional co-operation programmes. The individual budgets are allocated by the European Union are as follows:

• Strand A Cross Border (€5.6bn representing 52 Geographic programmes)
• Strand B Transnational (€1.8bn representing 13 Geographic programmes)
• Strand C Inter-regional (€445m representing one EU 27 wide programme) This budget also covers ESPON, URBACT and Interact II co-operation.

Irish organisations from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors, higher education sector and business representative groupings are eligible to participate in all three co-operation strands of Territorial Co-operation programmes. Irish organisations are eligible to participate in the following programmes:

Cross Border:
• Ireland/Northern Ireland/Scotland programme (www.seupb.eu)
• Ireland/ Wales Programme (www.irelandwales.ie)
Transnational:
• Atlantic Area Programme (www.atlanticarea.ccdr-n.pt)
• Northern Periphery Programme (www.northernperiphery.eu)
• North West Europe Programme (www.nweurope.eu)
Interregional:
• Interreg IVC Programme (www.interreg4c.eu)

While the Cross Border and transnational programmes support co-operation within specified geographical areas, inter-regional co-operation projects are EU wide with no geographical limitations. Prospective applicants should consult each of the Programme websites for further information on eligible regions and eligibility criteria.
In Ireland, the BMW Regional Assembly, Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly and the Special EU Programmes Body are involved in the management and promotion of all three strands of Territorial Co-Operation programmes during the period 2007-2013.

Cllr. Owen Bannigan 086 2757883

Gerry Finn - Director: 094 9862970 or gfinn@bmwassembly.ie