Regional Assemblies

Regional government in Ireland changed in 2014: there were 8 Regional Authorities that were amalgamated to 3 Regional Assemblies. The Regional Authorities, and subsequent Regional Assemblies, illustrate governance in two ways – one positive way that advances goals, and one challenging wat that limits successful policymaking. On a positive note, regional authorities coordinated group projects by local authorities, accessed support from the EU and national entities:

• community renewable energy
• tourism
• rural economic development
• youth unemployment projects
• SME innovations
• communications technologies
• regional broadband
• Wi-Fi, and
• a regional craft place for designers

On a more challenging note, regional authorities have been made larger and smaller at different times by the national government. Because they change often, there are weaker links between private individuals, businesses and communities.