Introduction

In Accordance with Article 14(3) of the Establishment Order, the Regional Authority shall, as early as possible in each year, adopt a programme of work for that year.

The Work Programme drawn up on a yearly basis, sets out the main areas that the Authority proposes to pursue in the year ahead. The activities require a degree of research and development for substantive progress. The degree of achievement depends on the continued involvement and co-operation of the various agencies of the Operational Committee(s).

The Work Programmes to date have followed the strategies set out in a number of strategy documents ,eg:

Regional Report and Strategic Planning Framework and Action Plan.
Submission for Structural and Cohesion Funds, prepared in June, 1998.
Development Strategy for the BMW region prepared by the Midland Regional Authority, Border Regional Authority and the West Regional Authority.
Midland Regional Planning Guidelines.Submission on investment priorities for NDP 2007 to 2013.

However, the political scene and economic background in which the Authority and its constituent agencies must work is dynamic and changing rapidly and so cognisance must also be taken of emerging developments and issues at international, national and regional level.

The following also set the strategic international, national and regional context for the work of the Authority:

International:

EU legislation and Policy decisions
EU Directives, eg.:

Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
Water Framework Directive
Working Time Directive
Public Procurement Directive
Urban Waste Water Directive
Landfill Directive
Etc.

Community Strategic Guidelines
Lisbon Agenda
Gothenburg Agenda
Cohesion Policy
Agriculture and Rural Development Policy
Etc.

National:

CSF National Development Plan 2000-2006 ( closure measures )
National Strategic Reference Framework
Border Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme (ERDF funded)
ESF Operational Programme (ESF funded)
National Development Plan 2007 to 2013
Multi Annual Capital Investment Framework
Peace Programme
The National Spatial Strategy
Programme for Government (Programme for Prosperity & Fairness)
National Employment Action Plan/ National Reform Programme.
National Anti-Poverty Strategy
National Action Plan for Social Inclusion.
National Sustainable Development Strategy
Rural Development Strategy
Toward 2012- Ten Year Social Partnership Agreement

Regional:

Regional Strategies and Development Plans of Public Service Agencies and Local Authorities.