Category: NWRA News - Page 3 - Northern & Western Regional Assembly

Association Irish Regions Training Seminar 2025 – Athlone – 5 & 6 February

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) Annual Training Seminar is taking place in Athlone on the 5th and 6th February 2025. For more information on the Association of Irish Regions, visit: www.irishregions.ie

Registration is now open: https://form.jotform.com/243392815698067

The registration fee to attend is €160.

Agenda for Day 1 on 5th February 2025

Agenda for the evening of day 1 and agenda for day 2 on 6th February 2025

Call for clustering projects

The two Interreg Arctic Programmes will coordinate the call for applications, this means that there will be frequent joint events and a close collaboration between the programmes during project development and assessment.

Please note that Specific Terms of reference apply for each programme detailing eligibility criteria, project size, budgets and durations, leading to Interreg Aurora funding cross-border clustering projects and Interreg NPA funding transnational clustering projects.

The call will launch in early 2025 and run from 8th September to 6th October, 2025 (new closure deadline!).

Terms of reference

Interreg NPA – Read more about Specific Terms of reference, transnational clustering projects

Interreg Aurora – Read more about Specific Terms of reference, cross-border clustering projects

Interreg Arctic Cooperation clustering call partner search event

Project Partners of Interreg Aurora and Interreg NPA projects are invited to meet in person to get to know the projects and find the right partners for developing the best clustering projects.

Date: 20th March 2025

Location: Cork, Ireland

Click Here to Register.

THRIVE public consultation in Carrick on Shannon

Leitrim County Council held a very well attended ‘pop up’ consultation at the Farmers’ Market at the Carrick-on-Shannon Market Yard on Thursday 19th December 2024.

The consultation was an opportunity for members of the public to give their views on the future use of the Carrick-on-Shannon Town Hall building on Bridge Street in the heart of the town centre.

The consultation process forms part of the THRIVE project which is a funding program that supports the renewal of urban centres through the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. The program is co-funded by the Irish Government & the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27 and is intended to help revitalise local towns and villages.

The THRIVE project requires local authorities to promote the values of the New European Bauhaus in their projects. This includes making projects sustainable, accessible, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing.

If you missed the event, you can still send Leitrim County Council your thoughts via an online survey which will be open until 5pm on Friday 10th January 2025.

The survey can be found by scanning this QR code:

or visiting this website https://giveyourviews.typeform.com/CarrickTownHall

Justin Fannon, Director of Services, Leitrim County Council and Yvette Keating, Programme Executive, Northern and Western Regional Assembly at the Public Consultation.

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Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme - Call for Clustering Projects

Interreg NPA – Call for Clustering Projects

Learn about a new concept in Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme, a Call for Clustering Projects.

A webinar organised by Northern and Western Regional Assembly 9 December 11:00-12:00 Irish time provides an opportunity to learn about the new Call. Download the Agenda for the webinar: Interreg NPA Clustering Call Webinar IE Draft Agenda.

Through transnational cooperation, Interreg NPA supports communities to turn ideas into sustainable solutions

This Call combines Interreg resources and skills to get the best results.

Register here for the Webinar: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c29399de-7bc5-4d3b-bfe3-ee69be5ba1d4@6351c4e0-e502-4619-a8dd-0eada86eb974

Interreg Atlnatic Area Third Call For Projects

Interreg Atlantic Area – Call 3 for Projects Now Open

The Interreg Atlantic Area Programme Third Call for Projects is open from November 25^th 2024 to 14th of February 2025 (1:00 PM, Irish/Lisbon Time) which aims to allocate around €43 million to projects in line with the three thematic Programme priorities and seven specific objectives, as provided in the Approved Cooperation Programme 2021-2027.

This call intends to select high-quality transnational projects in which relevant organisations cooperate to make regions more resilient to common challenges that know no borders and cannot be solved alone.

It covers the priorities of Blue innovation and competitiveness, Blue/Green environment, and Blue sustainable and social tourism & culture. Click here to access the specific objectives.

For more information on Call 3 visit: https://www.atlanticarea.eu/for-applicants/call-for-projects?tab=call-3

Information Sessions

Two online information Sessions about the call are taking place on the 25th November 2024 on 8th January 2025, you can find more information and register here: https://www.atlanticarea.eu/news-events/events/second-info-session-on-the-3rd-call-for-proposals

You can watch the first information on youtube here:

If you are an Irish Organisation and would like to learn more about the Atlantic Area, including support with or can application form, contact the National Contact Point for Atlantic Area Dr Travis O Doherty ei.ar1749931393wn@yt1749931393rehod1749931393ot1749931393. To stay up to date with funding opportunities for Interreg projects, join our EU funding Network.

https://www.nwra.ie/erdf/schemes/thrive/

Building the Future of Irish Towns

Representatives from 31 Irish Local Authorities came together for a training session on how to better integrate the New European Bauhaus values of aesthetics, sustainability, and participation into THRIVE projects from the early stages of development.

The THRIVE – Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme financially supports Irish local authorities in renovating heritage buildings in town centres through ERDF and National co-funding, that incorporate the values of the New European Bauhaus.

Hosted by European Urban Initiative (EUI), in partnership with the Southern Regional Assembly, the Northern & Western Regional Assembly and the European Commission, the hugely successful ‘Building the Future’ event in Limerick gave practical advice and shared tools to ensure projects are sustainable, beautiful and inclusive through participatory processes, multi-level engagement, and a transdisciplinary approach throughout the project timeline.

So far, 26 projects have received funding through THRIVE Strand 1 to develop integrated urban strategies and for project pipeline development. Also, 5 projects have received THRIVE Strand 2 funding for refurbishment, renovation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings across Ireland.

Another THRIVE funding call will open in January 2025 which offers a significant opportunity for local authorities to access capital funding of up to €7 million for sustainable urban development projects.

THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027 and the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.

For more information on the ERDF THRIVE funding scheme please visit: https://www.nwra.ie/erdf/schemes/thrive/

EU in my Region: UrbanCOOP project brings European Stakeholders to Galway

Galway hosted international project partners as part of an EU Project
The Interreg Europe funded UrbanCOOP Project supports multilateral cooperation amongst local government actors
Galway County and Galway City Council showcased Good Practice examples of smart urban planning around Galway City

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly were excited to welcome a group of European project partners involved in the Interreg Europe EU funded URBANCOOP project to Galway for a two day event on 6^th and 7th November 2024. URBANCoop strives towards better cooperation governance to attain urban sustainable development and this interregional learning event to facilitate this aim, will bring partners and stakeholders from all over Europe to Ireland. The event in Galway facilitated collaboration and learning between EU regions, which is a central element of all Interreg Europe funded projects.

Over the course of two days, the project partners from 7 different countries (Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, Estonia, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Ireland) heard from local and regional representatives, as well as from actors involved in urban development and regeneration. The 2- day visit also included visits to sites of significance around Galway City.

On Day 1 Senior Planners from Galway City Council and Galway County Council presented how their local authorities cooperate under the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP), which forms part of the Northern and Western region’s Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy. The process of sustainable urban planning and examples of good planning practices and regeneration projects was also highlighted. In addition, the process by which communities are involved in local planning and decision-making will be also be explored in a presentation by a representative of the Galway City Community Network, the Public Participation Network in Galway City.

A further suite of presentations on urban regeneration projects was delivered by representatives from the Land Development Agency, the Port of Galway and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. These presentations were followed by site visits that will take place in the afternoon of Day 1. The participants will be given a tour of the Port of Galway and an overview of its planned regeneration. Next, the participants were taken to Nun’s Island Theatre and Cultural Centre, in the heart of the city, which has recently secured funding to revive the site under the NWRA THRIVE Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme. This Scheme is managed by the NWRA and is delivered as part of the region’s European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme. Lastly, the participants got to visit the recently developed and award-winning ERDF funded Pedestrian Bridge, ‘Droichead an Dóchais’.

Day 2 of the event is comprised of a workshop element to hear from the guests and exchange ideas in an interactive session. The focus on these meetings will be on achieving the outputs of the project and fulfilling its deliverables. The 2 day event was conclude with a Steering Committee meeting amongst project partners to discuss the management of the project and next steps.

More information on the UrbanCoop meeting visit: https://www.interregeurope.eu/urbancoop

Now Hiring: EU Projects Officer

Closing Date for Applications: 4pm, Wednesday 4th December 2024

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is one of three Regional Assemblies in the Republic of Ireland. We work with key stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development.

We are looking to recruit an EU Projects Officer (analogous to Staff Officer) who share our values and a commitment to sustainable regional development.

The Role

The EU Project Officer (analogous to Staff Officer, Grade V) has responsibility for the successful implementation of existing European Union funded projects and for the development of new EU funded opportunities and projects. The EU Projects Officer will provide project management and ongoing administrative duties related to EU Projects, initially for the GREENHEALTH, BIOWIND, LOTTI, Urban COOP (Interreg Europe Programme) and Wild Atlantic Nature (LIFE) project.

The position requires work to be conducted/completed outside of normal office hours and frequent travel within Europe will be required.

Desirable Requirements

Postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline
Knowledge and experience of EU- Funded programmes
Satisfactory knowledge of public service organisations and national and regional policies
Satisfactory knowledge of European Institutions, policy issues and EU funding programmes
Experience of managing finances and budgets and ensuring value for money
A proven ability to develop stakeholder relations, strong interpersonal skills and an ability to deal with people across a range of organisations;
Excellent presentation skills
Creative communication skills
Competence in the use of ICT and other software skills
Excellent organisation skills and discipline and possess the drive to deliver the required results
An understanding of the challenges for the Northern & Western Region
Experience drafting press releases and interacting with the media

Download the Information Booklet

Download the Application Form

Visit to EU Co funded Innovators’ Initiative Project

The Northern and Western Region Assembly had a wonderful opportunity this week to visit the University of Galway and see how the EU Co Funded Innovators’ Initiative is progressing at the Bioinnovate Centre.

Innovators’ Initiative is in an immersive, needs-led entrepreneurship programme that lasts for 9 months, offering a postgraduate diploma.

Along with colleagues from Enterprise Ireland and Bioinnovate, we had the opportunity to engage with both mentors and participants of the programme, who are currently undergoing the initial phase, which includes a bootcamp, anatomy training, and clinical immersion.

The current group of 12 participants, which were selected from diverse professional backgrounds are exploring three separate clinical areas, working towards identifying clinical needs before exploring potential solutions.

The engaging discussions with participants shed light on their motivations and positive experiences of the initial phase of the programme and we will be sharing details of some of those experiences on our website as the programme progresses.

Upon completing the program, participants will have crafted an advanced technical solution for a business opportunity, potentially paving the way for a high-potential startup (HPSU) or leading to licensed technology.

For more information on Innovators’ Initiative, please click on the link.

Galway City Council and Northern and Western Regional Assembly Announce €3.8 Million Investment in Cultural Revival Project

The Assistant Director of the Northen and Western Regional Assembly, Paddy Austin and the Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary signed a grant agreement for an investment of €3.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund’s Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) in the presence of the Mayor of Galway Peter Keane. This funding is for the restoration of the Nun’s Island Theatre and the neighbouring Church House, with the goal of creating a dynamic Creative Space that will function as a versatile arts and creativity hub in Galway City.

Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Mr Leonard Cleary; Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Peter Keane; NWRA Assistant Director Mr. Paddy Austin

The Nun’s Island Theatre, built circa 1835, and the Church House, constructed between 1855 and 1872, are significant cultural landmarks located on the western bank of the Corrib River. This project aims to honour their historical value while adapting them to meet the contemporary needs of Galway’s artistic community. The renovation will link these two important buildings, creating new infrastructure for creativity and innovation, aptly named ‘CreativeSpace’ on Nun’s Island.

During 2021 and 2022, Galway City Council engaged the Urban Lab Galway in the University of Galway to undertake a public consultation process which gathered insights from the local community and stakeholders in the creative sector about the desired role and function of the Nun’s Island site. The feedback highlighted a strong desire for a multifunctional space that could accommodate rehearsals, studios, meetings, events, and administrative functions. CreativeSpace will fulfil this vision, providing rehearsal and performance facilities that promote innovative and experimental work by emerging artists, individuals, and minority communities in Galway.

Front Row: Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Mr Leonard Cleary; NWRA Assistant Director Mr. Paddy Austin
Back Row: NWRA Programme Executive, Yvette Keating; Senior Resident Engineer Galway City Council Mr. Michael Curran; Galway Arts Centre General Manager Tara O’Connor; Galway Arts Centre Director Megs Morley; Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Peter Keane

This initiative is not only a significant step towards creating new creative space within the cultural landscape of Galway City but also embodies the European Bauhaus Principles of Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion. By reviving these historic buildings, the project aims to create a vibrant, attractive, accessible and viable space that encourages the local community to live, work, and engage with the arts while strengthening the impact of EU funds in the region.

Galway City Council and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative project, which will undoubtedly bring Europe closer to its citizens.

THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27.