Category: NWRA News

Regional & County Card Payment Data

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly has released its latest “Regional Economic Briefing Note”, with the May 2025 edition focusing on the value of domestic credit and debit card payments taking place in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland, between October 2022 and March 2025.

The purpose of the “Regional Economic Briefing Notes” is to provide stakeholders in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland with a brief update on the latest and key data releases related to the region. The key findings are as follows:

The value of domestic credit and debit card payments in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland amounted to €8.2 billion in 2024, up 9.9 per cent relative to the previous year. This includes online payments and “point of sale” payments.
In 2024, Leitrim recorded the highest annual growth rate in the value of domestic credit and debit card payments in the Northern and Western Region and the 2nd highest nationally.
The largest level of domestic card payments in the Northern and Western Region took place in Galway, with the county accounting for 38 per cent or €3.1 billion of domestic card payments in the region in 2024.
Dublin accounted for just under 60 per cent of the value of domestic card payments in Ireland in 2024, despite accounting for just under 30 per cent of Ireland’s population.
The value of domestic credit and debit card payments in the Northern and Western Region amounted to €2 billion in Q1-2025, up 4.4 per cent relative to Q1-2024. Although welcoming, this represents a considerable easing of growth in comparison to previous quarters.
In March 2025 alone, a total of €711 million in domestic credit and debit card payments took place in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland.

This edition of the “Regional Economic Briefing Note” can be downloaded here and for any queries on this publication please contact John Daly, Economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (ei.ar1747038367wn@yl1747038367adj1747038367).

Schools Across the Northern and Western Region Celebrate Europe Day

National school children across the Northern and Western Region celebrated Europe Day this week. They learned from this month’s Primary Planet magazine that Europe Day on May 9th commemorates peace, partnership, and progress.

Europe Day marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, signed on May 9, 1950. This event heralded a new era of peace, integration, and democratic cooperation in Europe, laying the foundations for the European Union as we know it today.

Students from various schools in the region participated in a Europe Day Quiz sponsored by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly to test their knowledge of the European Union and EU funding. Participating schools included Abbeycartron National School, Scoil Mhuire Creeslough, Creeslough National School, Annaduff National School, Corlough National School, St Louis Girls National School, Cloghogue National School, St John’s Logboy National School, Scoil Croí Íosa, Presentation Primary School, and Cloonfad National School.

Staff members from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund in the region, visited the participating schools. EU flags were presented to the schools, and the winning students in the Europe Day quiz received book vouchers.

Northern and Western Regional Assembly

Cllr Murray and Cllr McClearn appointed Chairs of SPA Committees

Cllr Jack Murray appointed Chairperson for SPA for the Border Region
Cllr Jimmy McClearn appointed Chairperson for the SPA for the West Region

The two Strategic Planning Area (SPA) Committees within the Northern and Western Region took place this week with SPA Committee for the Border Region taking place Monaghan on the 25th April and the SPA Committee for the West Region taking place in Roscommon on 02nd May 2025.

The Committees consist of the members of the regional assembly appointed by the constituent local authorities to perform functions, in respect of such area, in relation to the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region. Cllr Jack Murray was appointed Chairperson for the Border SPA Committee and Cllr Jimmy McClearn was appointed for the SPA West Committee.

NWRA Elected members and Staff at the SPA Committee meeting for the West Region in Roscommon on the 02nd May 2025

With the approval of the National Planning Framework this week, a review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region 2020-2032 will commence later this year.

On the nomination and approval of the Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach for both areas, Tanya Whyte acting Assistant Director (Planning and Economic Development) / Senior Planner, welcomed their appointments and stated “As we plan for tomorrow, together, with vision and purpose, we will move the region forward to help shape a lasting positive impact”.

Cllr Jack Murray spoke to Highland Radio about the role of the committee and the need to progress and invest in projects across the region. Listen Here on the Highland Radio Website.

Cllr Jack Murray Appointed as Chairperson for the SPA Border Region

Cllr Jimmy McClearn Appointed as Chairperson for the SPA West Region

NWRA April Assembly Meeting in Ballina County Mayo

April Meeting in Ballina welcomes three new Elected Members

Innovation in Regeneration Conference

EU Co Funded Projects including THRIVE highlighted at Regeneration Conference in the PEACE Campus in Monaghan

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly and Monaghan County Council hosted a conference this week in the PEACE Campus in Monaghan Town to provide innovators, and experts in the field of sustainable regeneration a forum for evaluating the latest innovative regeneration projects across the island of Ireland. Over two days, regeneration practitioners and guest speakers from Ireland and Europe explored the role of innovation in regeneration.

Topics discussed included urban regeneration and the policy background supporting regeneration, vacancy rates and the importance of agglomeration economies for regional development.

Attendees also explored the concept of “Building Stories” to understand urban resilience, and the role of heritage and greenspace in sustainable regeneration.

The event included case studies on the Armagh City Townscape Heritage project, which aims to restore historic properties and create new spaces for businesses and residents and the Castleblayney Gate Lodge restoration project, renovating that derelict building to provide a modern public library, community, and cultural space.

There were presentations and discussions focused on biodiversity considerations in regeneration projects and highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity and urban design and landscape architecture.

Also showcased was the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) and various regeneration programmes, EU funding streams and their impact.

Colleagues from the Valletta Design Cluster in Malta shared a good practice case study from Europe, demonstrating how European co-funding and the New European Bauhaus brought a former slaughterhouse back to life and created a vibrant, beautiful and sustainable, shared community space on that island.

Overall, the conference provided valuable insights into innovative regeneration projects and the importance of collaboration, data, and sustainability in urban planning. All the presentations from the conference are available to download here: https://www.nwra.ie/innovation-in-regeneration-agenda/

NWRA Staff & Councillors pictured with Director Denis Kelly as he retires

Denis Kelly retires from the NWRA

On Friday, 21st March, Director Denis Kelly attended his final meeting of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) as he retired after nearly four decades of dedicated public service. At the March Assembly meeting in Sligo, elected members expressed their gratitude, praising Denis for his passion, professionalism, and commitment to working with staff, colleagues, and stakeholders to advance the region’s ambitions.

Denis was responsible for overseeing numerous projects and initiatives related to regional planning, economics, and Interreg funding. Elected members particularly highlighted his role in the development and implementation of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, which stands as one of his most significant achievements during his tenure.

Denis joined the Assembly in 2016 as Assistant Director for Planning and Economic Development and Senior Planner, before moving into the role of Director in 2023.

At the final staff meeting, colleagues extended their warmest wishes to Denis, hoping he enjoys a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.

NWRA Staff with Director Denis Kelly as he attends his final staff meeting before his retirement

Denis Kelly will be replaced in the interim by Conall McGettigan as Director at the Northern & Western Regional Assembly.

EU co funded €217 Million Euro Investment Programme reviewed

Members of the Northern Western Regional Programme Monitoring Committee met in Carrick on Shannon to review progress under the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021 – 2017.

The Monitoring committee which has members from a variety of stakeholders including the European Commission, meets regularly to monitor progress and agree any necessary changes required under the regional programme.

At the meeting members discussed the launch of calls from all eight schemes in the Programme.

The Schemes are:

KT Boost,
Technology Gateways
Innovators Initiative
Smart Regions
TU RISE
THRIVE
Warmer Homes
ARC Hubs

A number of other important monitoring actives under the programme were also reviewed including: Enabling Conditions, Horizontal Principles, Evaluation and Communications.

The meeting also reviewed the 29 operations that are currently selected, and noted that 50% of the total programme allocation is now awarded.

Read about the Programme:https://www.nwra.ie/erdf/northern-and-western-regional-programme-2021-2027/

List of beneficiaries of the Programme: https://www.nwra.ie/erdf/erdf-beneficiaries/

The ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027 is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Cathaorleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly presents award to Gaelscoil Liatroima for best project completed As Gaeilge.

NWRA Supports STEMtacular Science Fair in Ballinamore, Leitrim

The NWRA was proud to support the STEMtacular Science Fair which took place in Ballinamore County Leitrim on the 27th February 2025. The science fair for primary school students was attended by over 500 students from Cavan, Fermanagh, Longford, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, and Roscommon.

Cathaoireleach of the NWRA, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly presented the award for best project completed ‘As Gaeilge’ which was awarded Gaelscoil Liatroima for their project ‘An dteastaíonn spéaclaí do gearr-radharcach nó fadradharcach’.

Cllr Jarlath Munnelly said it was important to support initiatives like STEMtacular as it encourages students to engage in STEM subjects, fosters problem-solving skills and hopefully inspire them to pursue a career in a Science, Technology Engineering or Maths.

As well as getting to showcase their science projects at the event, the primary school students also had the opportunity to visit the Discovery Zone which included engaging exhibitions from Sponsors of the event. The NWRA partnered with the AIM Centre Sligo to exhibit at the event. Colm Finn, Automation Engineer with the AIM centre, set up a VEX robotics game to allow students to try their hand at Robotics and to learn more about the VEX robotics competition for primary schools.

NWRA and AIM Centre Exhibition at STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices 2025.

Students trying VEX Robotics at STEMtacular

Tanya Whyte, Senior Executive Planner was a judge at STEMtacular 2025

Three Regional Assemblies at the LAMA Awards 2025

The three Regional Assemblies attend the 2025 LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) All Ireland Community and Council Awards in Cork on Saturday (22/02/2025).

The Assemblies sponsored the category ‘Best Housing Regeneration & Urban Planning’ which was awarded to Fingal County Council for the Portrane Avenue project.

Donegal County Council won the prestigious Council of the Year award.

Other awards to Local Authorities and projects in the Northern and Western Region (Cavan, Donegal, Galway City, Galway County, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon and Sligo) included:

Best Irish Festival: Mayo Day – Mayo County Council
Best Business working with the Community: Spraoi agus Sport – Donegal County Council
Best Enterprise & Start Up Hub: AIM Centre – Sligo
Best Town or Village Regeneration: The Junction-Ballinamore – Leitrim County Council
Best Trail/Waterway in Ireland: Eglington Canal Active Travel Project – Galway City Council
Best Communications initiative/Innovation: #LoveDonegal Campaign – Donegal County Council
Best Tourism Initiative: Queen Maeve Square – Sligo County Council
Best Environmental/Ecological Project Education: Fish & Chips – Sustainably! – Galway County Council

NWRA Members and Staff at the February Meeting in Cavan

NWRA meeting in Cavan welcomes three new Elected Members

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly February meeting with Elected Members took place in the Cavan County Council Chamber at the Courthouse on Friday 21st February 2025.

At the meeting, the Cathaoirleach – Cllr Jarlath Munnelly, Director – Denis Kelly and elected members and welcomed the three new Councillors that have been nominated to the Assembly:

Cllr Gerry King
Cllr Liam Callaghan
Cllr Richard Truell

At the meeting, Cathaoirleach of the NWRA Cllr Jarlath Munnelly thanked Liam O’Reilly, Senior Executive Architect at Cavan County Council for a detailed presentation of the current Rural and Urban regeneration projects including the Abbeylands Regeneration project in Cavan Town.

Welcoming fellow councillors to Cavan, local Councillor Áine Smith, said it was important for the NWRA to visit each Local Authority across the region, including Cavan, and to get a better understanding of their current regional development issues and opportunities. In relation to the Abbeylands Redevelopment, Cllr Áine Smith said the investment was a potential game changer for the area and would add to the existing tourism attractions in Cavan including the Geopark, festivals, outdoor activities and hotels.

Denis Kelly, Director at the Northern and Western Regional Assembly also praised the work of Cavan County Council and said that projects such as Abbeylands regeneration is great example of how we can reinvent and revitalise our towns and villages which is at the core of our Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). Mr Kelly also said there is a huge amount of work that goes into these projects including the public consultation process and it is important this recognised.

Cllr Gerry King

Cllr Liam Callaghan

Cllr Richard Truell

Regional & County Card Payment Data

Schools Across the Northern and Western Region Celebrate Europe Day

Cllr Murray and Cllr McClearn appointed Chairs of SPA Committees

Cllr Jack Murray appointed Chairperson for SPA for the Border Region

Cllr Jimmy McClearn appointed Chairperson for the SPA for the West Region