INTRODUCTION TO THE BMW REGION Gerry Finn Director BMW Regional Assembly September 19th, 2005
Role of Regional Assemblies Manage the Regional Operational Programmes under the NDP Monitor the general impact of all E.U. Programmes under the N.D.P. / C.S.F. in their regions Promote the co-ordination of the provision of Public Services in the Region Evolving role in creating a regional identity Highlighting issues of concern for the region Ensuring that national policies take the regional dimension into account
BMW Regional Profile BMW Region has 47% of land area, 27% of population & 19% of national GDP of Ireland Growing Regional Divide in terms of GDP, unemployment, “brain drain” & infrastructure Infrastructure deficit - roads, electricity, gas, ICT etc. National Spatial Strategy sets a new framework for regional development
Regional Profile contd. High dependence on agriculture & food processing, tourism Low level of high value added activities Low R&D - most research funds allocated to Greater Dublin Area Relatively low levels of innovation Poor levels of FDI – IDA target of 50% of greenfield sites in BMW Region
BMW Regional Foresight Exercise Built on an Audit of Innovation already completed and EU, national regional strategies Agreement on priorities for future investment programmes, including post 2006 EU Structural Funds Feed into future National/Regional Development Plans Stimulated debate on long-term strategic issues Launched September 13th 2005
BMW Regional Foresight Exercise contd. 18 month process involving wide consultation within & outside the region Facilitated by consultants CM International Steering Committee & 4 expert panels Wide consultation nationally & within region Submissions invited from interested parties Local/regional/national endorsement obtained
A Vision for the BMW Region in 2025 An innovative, knowledge-based and competitive region, with a high quality environment, first class infrastructure, visionary leadership and a quality of life for its citizens that is among the highest in the world
Vision, 5 Components & 2 Cross-cutting Themes ```` VISION High quality environment for sustainable communities 21st Century Infrastructure Networks Effective regional management & visionary leaders Entreneurship and knowledge as cornerstones of prosperity Internationally competitive business environment Equality of Opportunity Sustainability
Contact Details BMW Regional Assembly The Square Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon Tel. (353) 094 9862970 Fax. (353) 094 9862973 Email: info@bmwassembly.ie Website: www.bmwassembly.ie National Development Plan: Website: www.ndp.ie EU Structural Funds: Website: www.eustructuralfunds.ie