Month: March 2018

On your bike!

The NWRA established its EU Engagement Unit in 2016 looking to optimise all available EU funds for this region. As Brendan Mooney of the NWRA says we also ‘set about trying to build regional capacity for accessing EU Funding. At times, EU funds can be seen as a dark art but we try to demystify the process and also encourage regional collaboration’.

A small team, but dedicated experts in all aspects of European Policy and Funding. In early 2017 the Unit launched its Diploma in EU Funding in partnership with the Leuven Institute in Brussels. Since then we have over 55 graduates of the programme and we are refining the Diploma each time and also developing bespoke and sectoral programmes.

Originally targeted at our Local Authority colleagues, increasingly we have participants from the 3rd level sector and business representatives. Speaking at the announcement of recent EU funding Mooney said ‘I think the 5 day intensive programme makes it very accessible for people; and the fact individuals get to experience the drivers of policy in Brussels and witness local practices in securing funding is highly attractive’.

Brendan, a native of Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo, recognises that we have had some staggering success in accessing EU Funds and notes the impact is in every community across the country. It is important that our communities understand the direct impact Cohesion and Structural Funds have had in Ireland and particularly in this part of the country. Over the next 12 months, with the Members of the NWRA, we intend leading a campaign celebrating the impact of EU funds and how these funds have impacted our daily lives in a positive way.

Speaking at the announcement that the NWRA had secured funding under three new INTERREG Europe partnerships, Brendan Mooney, said “that it was an extremely competitive process but we were delighted with the outcome. Our members have challenged the EU Engagement Unit to develop projects aligned with regional priorities. To secure three projects of this note so early is a great start”

Director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, David Minton said its now ‘time to get on your bike’, referring to the success in securing funding through the OUR WAY project; a Greenway project to support a regional investment strategy and connect green infrastructure with natural heritage and cultural sites’.

Additionally the NWRA is involved with two additional partnerships focusing on the key emerging food sector and supporting the buoyant digital and creative sector.

GIS Project Manager (Grade VII) Vacancy

The Regional Assembly wishes to recruit for the position of GIS Project Manager (Grade VII) on a fixed term contract of three years and to form a panel from which future vacancies will be filled.

Applications must be made on the official application form and posted/delivered (original and three copies) to Director, Northern & Western Regional Assembly, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.When completing the application form accuracy is essential as you may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied. Any inaccuracy in completing the form may result in rejection. Therefore, it is in your own interest to ensure that the information supplied in your application is complete and correct.

Applications must be delivered, or posted in sufficient time to ensure delivery not later than 4.00pm Thursday 29^thMarch 2018.An acknowledgement will issue to applicants by email. Allegations of loss or delay will not be considered unless supported by a Certificate of Posting. The cost of postage must be borne by the applicant. Change of address must be notified to us immediately in writing.

The Northern & Western Regional Assembly is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.

Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Any attempt, direct or indirect, by a candidate to influence the selection process will automatically disqualify the candidate. Do not send a reference without it being requested or induce anyone to make representations on your behalf. If you do, you run the risk of being disqualified.

Download the Competition Guidelines

Download the Application Form

Beyond Local – International Conference in April

Why Going International Makes Sense.

Small businesses in any part of the country that are thinking of going ‘beyond local’ for their markets are being offered the chance to win €5,000 worth of consultancy services, through Local Enterprise Office Donegal.

The Border and Western Region has been designated as European Entrepreneurial Region for 2018 and Local Enterprise Office Donegal is organising a major international conference in April to encourage more small business owners to internalise their businesses.

The ‘Beyond Local’ conference takes place in Solis Lough Eske on April 12^th and 13^th and sets out to explain why taking business into the global marketplace makes perfect sense for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

To download the conference brochure here

A mixture of keynote talks, workshops, roundtable discussions and business to business meetings, the two-day international conference is free to attend and draws on national and international experience so those attending will get the best possible insight into the benefits of looking beyond local markets for their business.

Speakers from Denmark, Poland and Italy will join a host of speakers from Ireland and Northern Ireland to highlight how internationally active businesses are more innovative and perform better than those who have not embraced internationalisation.

International contributors include:

– Steve Murnaghan, Netherlands Ireland Trade Consultant

– Allan Kondrup Jensen, Business Development Centre in Denmark

– Gian Luca Baldoni, Regione Emilia Romagna in Italy

– Dawid Klugowski, YouArtMe in Poland

Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise with LEO Donegal said: “Taking business into the global marketplace makes perfect sense for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – and it means they are much more likely to survive in the globally competitive business climate. The conference is a great opportunity for businesses to learn how they can do that and I really do hope they make the best of the opportunity and come along to listen and to learn,” he added.

Conference tickets are free but pre-booking is essential through http://bit.ly/BeyondLocal

€5,000 Consultancy Competition – ‘Beyond Local’ International Conference

For a chance to win €5,000 in consultancy services for your business, simply download and complete the short application form and return it to ei.oc1752079181oclag1752079181enod.1752079181oel@y1752079181ennut1752079181.leah1752079181cim1752079181 by midnight on Friday, April 6^th 2018.

This competition is open to small businesses from all over the country but applicants must be in attendance at the ‘Beyond Local’ conference.

Download the application form from: http://bit.ly/€5000BeyondLocalCompetition

On your bike!

GIS Project Manager (Grade VII) Vacancy

Beyond Local – International Conference in April

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