Association of Irish Regions
The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) is the national representative organisation of the eight Regional Authorities and two Regional Assemblies in Ireland. Its objectives are to express the collective view of its membership on matters concerning their constitution and the functions for which they have statutory responsibilities, and to offer advice to Government on matters pertaining to economic and social development, including matters relating to balanced regional development.
AIR also aims to facilitate the exchange of information and experience between its members, including arranging meetings, conferences, seminars, and producing publications which further the objective of improving the quality of service which members can give to their authorities and to the public.
The Association is composed of the Cathaoirligh (Chair), immediate past Chairs and Directors of the Regional Authorities and Regional Assemblies. Further information on and from sub-national authorities in Ireland.
AIR Hon. Secretary: Mr. Tom Byrne
Director
South-East Regional Authority
Tel: (052) 61 26200
E-mail: dir@sera.ie
Irish Regions Office, Brussels
The Irish Regions Office (IRO) was established in 2000 as a Brussels based resource for sub-national government in Ireland. The operation of the office involves a partnership between the Association of Irish Regions (AIR), the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the County and City Managers Association (CCMA).
The IRO works with and on behalf of the sub-national authorities in Ireland. The office maintains direct contact with the Directors of the Regional Authorities and Regional Assemblies and is routinely engaged in coordinating the production and promotion of policy and position papers on behalf of AIR and the Irish Delegation to the CoR. It also assists local and regional authorities in developing EU projects (including identifying and accessing EU funds and finding transnational partners) and responds to general requests for information on and from sub-national authorities in Ireland.
The IRO also maintains close contact with the various EU institutions. The work of the IRO benefits from the quality of its links, both formal and informal, with the main institutions, and more specifically with key policy and decision makers. Formal engagement with the Institutions is facilitated through representation on the CoR and through membership of European Commission consultative forums. At an informal level, the IRO has a close working relationship with individual departments of the European Commission, as well as with MEPs, the Irish Permanent Representation, other Irish representations, regional representation offices and various other Brussels based organisations.
Contact Details:
Head of Office: Robert Collins
Research & Information Officer: Ronan Gingles
Address:
Irish Regions Office
Rond-Point Schuman 11
B-1040 Brussels
Tel: 00-32-2-233 1122
Fax: 00-32-2-734 4434
E-mail: robert.collins@iro.ie
www.iro.ie
