Introduction to the bmw region gerry Finn

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

Contact Details

• BMW Regional Assembly

• The Square

• Ballaghaderreen

• Co. Roscommon

• Tel. [phone]

• Fax. [phone]

• Email: [e-mail]

• Website: www.bmwassembly.ie

• National Development Plan:

• Website: www.ndp.ie

• EU Structural Funds:

• Website: www.eustructuralfunds.ie