![[Logo] Midlands Regional Authority](Templates/top_banner5.jpg "Midlands Regional Authority")
Introduction
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The primary legislation providing for the establishment of the eight Regional Authorities is the Local Government Act, 1991. The Midland Regional Authority in common with the other seven Regional Authorities was established on a statutory basis with effect from 1st January, 1994, following the making of an order by the Minister for the Environment, with the consent of the Minister for Finance under Sections 3 and 43 of the Local Government Act, 1991. The Establishment Order is entitled the Local Government Act, 1991 (Regional Authorities) (Establishment) Order, 1993 (S.I. No. 394 of 1993).
The Midland Regional Authority comprises 24 elected public representatives who are nominated to the Authority by each of the four constituent local authorities in the region. Members serve for a term which is co-incidental to membership of their respective Local Authorities. Laois, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils each nominated six members with Longford County Council nominating five members. One additional member was appointed by virtue of their appointment by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to the E.U. Committee of the Regions.
The Midland Regional Authority endeavours to boost the economic and social development of the region. The development strategies, as drawn up by the Authority in consultation with the public agencies and social partners, act as a blueprint for regional development. In facing the challenges, the Authority embraces the notion of global competitiveness and bases its strategies on a number of policy objectives including: the creation of sustainable employment, equal opportunities, social inclusion, the promotion of the information society and the protection of the environment.
Operational Committees
The Establishment Order provides that the Authorities establish Operational Committees. The Operational Committees formulate proposals for submission to the Authority and generally advise and assist the Authority in the discharge of its functions.