Director’s Welcome

During 2008, the Assembly continued in its role of ensuring the successful implementation of the BMW Regional Operational Programme (BMWROP) 2000-2006, working with Implementing Departments and Agencies in ensuring that the programme is closed efficiently and addressing outstanding audit issues. We intend to publish a special report on the completion of the BMWROP 2000-2006 later this year. The priorities of the €572m BMWROP 2007-2013 which include Innovation, ICT and the Knowledge Economy; Environment and Renewable Energy; and Urban Development and Secondary Transport networks, in our view remain valid and essential to the Region, notwithstanding the challenging economic environment in which we now operate.

In 2008 the new round of Interreg (Interregional Co-operation Programmes) commenced and the BMW Regional Assembly is the main contact point in Ireland for both the Atlantic Area and Northern Periphery programmes. The Assembly is also involved in the financial certification of Irish claims. The Assembly continued the implementation of its €1.8m BMW Regional Programme of Innovative Actions which was approved in 2006. This programme involves six pilot initiatives aimed at strengthening the innovation capacity of regional third-level institutions and selected enterprises. 

The Assembly held a successful Annual Conference on the theme of Quality of Life which is also a priority theme in the National Development Plan. We also prepared several submissions which presented a coherent regional perspective on science and technology policy, local government reform, the national reform programme, EU cohesion policy and social partnership. The Assembly’s sub-committee structure continued to review the regional impact of the National Development Plan, the National Rural Development Programme and the BMWROP 2007-2013.

I wish to acknowledge the ongoing support and co-operation of EU Commission officials and those in the Department of Finance, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government with whom we have worked over the past ten years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the individuals who have participated on our sub-committees, BMWROP Monitoring Committee and all of the Local Authorities, Agencies and Government Departments who support our work.

Finally, I also wish to thank the Chairperson, Assembly Members and staff of the Assembly for their continued commitment in support of our activities.