INTRODUCTION TO THE BMW REGION Gerry Finn Director

INTRODUCTION TO THE BMW REGION Gerry Finn Director BMW Regional Assembly September 19 th, 2005

Role of Regional Assemblies Ø Ø Ø Manage the Regional Operational Programmes under the NDP Monitor the general impact of all E. U. Programmes under the N. D. P. / C. S. F. in their regions Promote the co-ordination of the provision of Public Services in the Region Evolving role in creating a regional identity Highlighting issues of concern for the region Ensuring that national policies take the regional dimension into account

BMW Regional Profile BMW Region has 47% of land area, 27% of population & 19% of national GDP of Ireland Ø Growing Regional Divide in terms of GDP, unemployment, “brain drain” & infrastructure Ø Infrastructure deficit - roads, electricity, gas, ICT etc. Ø National Spatial Strategy sets a new framework for regional development Ø

Regional Profile contd. • High dependence on agriculture & food processing, tourism • Low level of high value added activities • Low R&D - most research funds allocated to Greater Dublin Area • Relatively low levels of innovation • Poor levels of FDI – IDA target of 50% of greenfield sites in BMW Region

BMW Regional Foresight Exercise Ø Built on an Audit of Innovation already completed and EU, national regional strategies Ø Agreement on priorities for future investment programmes, including post 2006 EU Structural Funds Ø Feed into future National/Regional Development Plans Ø Stimulated debate on long-term strategic issues Ø Launched September 13 th 2005

BMW Regional Foresight Exercise contd. • 18 month process involving wide consultation within & outside the region • Facilitated by consultants CM International • Steering Committee & 4 expert panels • Wide consultation nationally & within region • Submissions invited from interested parties • Local/regional/national endorsement obtained

A Vision for the BMW Region in 2025 An innovative, knowledge-based and competitive region, with a high quality environment, first class infrastructure, visionary leadership and a quality of life for its citizens that is among the highest in the world

Vision, 5 Components & 2 Cross-cutting Themes High quality environment for sustainable communities Internationally competitive business environment 21 st Century Infrastructure Networks VISION ```` Entreneurship and knowledge as cornerstones of prosperity Equality of Opportunity Sustainability Effective regional management & visionary leaders

Contact Details BMW Regional Assembly The Square Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon Tel. (353) 094 9862970 Fax. (353) 094 9862973 Email: info@bmwassembly. ie Website: www. bmwassembly. ie National Development Plan: Website: www. ndp. ie EU Structural Funds: Website: www. eustructuralfunds. ie