Role

The role of the Regional Authority is to promote the co-ordination of the provision of public services at regional level. The Authority also reviews the development needs of the region, contributing to the preparation of the National Development Plan and other strategies at national and regional level.

The Regional Authority is not a direct provider of infrastructural or other mainstream services. Responsibility for such matters lies with the existing local and public authorities. Rather, it has an umbrella role in relation to public services, i.e. the promotion of co-ordination. This requires a wide range of consultations with local authorities, public bodies, agencies, government
departments, partnership companies and the social partners.

The Regional Authority prepares and publishes reports on the economic and social development of the region, which outline the regional development strategy for the future development of the Midland Region. The Regional Authority thus provides:

• A consensus regional view;
• An appropriate linkage between central and local government;
• A co-ordinated approach among public authorities; and
• Potential for integrated action by various agencies.