Connecting
Regional Growth
Our role involves building connections between European, national, and local levels through regional spatial and economic planning. We manage European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes and collaborate with partners and stakeholders on various projects and initiatives. Our work aims to enhance the development and quality of life in the Southern Region and to support broader regional and economic growth.
Our Region
The Southern Region is home to approximately one-third of Ireland’s population, or around 1.7 million people. This region covers ten local authority areas, outlined below. The Southern Region includes three cities of national and international significance: Cork, Limerick, and Waterford, all of which are recognised as UNESCO Learning Cities. The region also hosts four of Ireland’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 ports, located in Waterford, Rosslare, Cork, and Shannon, making it a key area for maritime trade and transport. For planning and EU funding purposes, the region is divided into three Strategic Planning Areas (NUTS2 regions):
Map symbols:
The South-East:
Carlow, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny
The South-West:
Cork City, Cork County, Kerry
The Mid-West:
Clare, Limerick, Tipperary
Our Assembly
Members
Assembly Meetings
The Assembly Members meet monthly to discuss issues related to regional planning, EU programme management and project participation, and other statutory functions.
Committee
of the Regions
The Committee of the Regions (CoR), founded in 1994, is an EU advisory body with 350 elected representatives from local and regional authorities across all EU member states. It ensures regions and cities have a voice in the EU legislative process, advising on laws that affect them, and meets six times annually.
Our Staff
Members
Corporate Affairs
The Corporate Affairs section provides essential services to the Assembly Members, staff, and the public. It plays a key role in coordinating Assembly meetings and supporting Members in their various functions.