South West Regional Authority

There are 8 Regional Authorities in Ireland, which were establishedin 1994 under the Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Authorities) Establishment Order 1993.

The South West Regional Authority has twenty four elected representatives and has responsibility for strategic planning and the promotion of the coordinated delivery of public services in the region.

The Authority also advises the Irish Government on developmental issues, contributes to the preparation of the National Development Plan and other strategic matters.

It also has responsible for the monitoring of the European Community Support Framework, in this regard the Authority participates as a member of various monitoring committees in respect of the regional and national operational programmes.

The Regional Authority in 2004 adopted the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPG’s).

The RPG’s aim to give regional effect to the National Spatial Strategy and to guide the development plans for the region until 2020.

The RPG’s are now in process of review and will be re-issued by June 2010.