Powers, Functions & Duties
Regional authorities have been given a general competence to do all things necessary and expedient for the effective performance of their functions, including consultation with local, regional and other public authorities, engagement of consultants and advisers, participating in or promoting research, borrowing, purchase and leasing of land and property, requesting information and attendance at a meeting of representatives from any local or public authority.
The principal functions include:
- Promotion of co-ordination in the provision of public services in the region
- Promotion of co-operation, joint action etc. between local authorities, public authorities and/or others
- Reviewing the overall development needs of the region and the making of statements on them as appropriate, and keeping under review the provision of public services in the region
- Reviewing the Development Plans of local authorities in the region and in adjoining regions
- Preparation of Regional Planning Guidelines under the Planning and Development Act, 2000
- Making statements on matters that may be requested by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government or a constituent local authority
- Preparation of Regional Economic and Social Strategies covering the development needs and investment priorities of the region.
- Nomination of a person for appointment to the EU Committee of the Regions if requested by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
- Provision of proposals, advice, recommendations or information to Government in relation to applications for EU assistance
Reviewing and monitoring the implementation of measures for which EU assistance is made available - Preparation each year of an Estimate of Expenditure & Receipts, a Programme of Work, a Statement of Accounts and an Annual Report.
A Voice for the Region
The Regional Authority, since its establishment, has set out to be a strong voice for the region. It adopts a regional approach and focus on issues and concentrates on identifying and articulating the deficiencies and weaknesses of the region which inhibit its physical, social and economic development.
The Authority has articulated regional concerns in terms of infrastructure, education, tourism, flooding and other issues to government and to the relevant public authorities. Furthermore, the Authority has lobbied at governmental and European level for a more equitable distribution of EU funding so that the South-East receives its fair share.
The Authority seeks to strengthen the Region's voice through the development of links and partnership with the region's MEPs, Oireachtas Members, Local Authorities and Social Partners.
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act which has now come into effect, establishes a number of important new legal rights for those seeking access to official information. In future everyone will have the right:
- to access official records created after 21 April 1998 which are held by Government Departments or other public bodies listed in the Act;
- to have personal details on official records corrected or updated where such information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading; and
- to be given reasons for decisions taken by public bodies that affect them.
The Act asserts the right of members of the public to obtain access to official information to the greatest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the right to privacy of individuals.
Requests under the Act must be made in writing, should set out clearly the information sought and state that the information is being sought under the Freedom of Information Act, and should be addressed to The Freedom of Information Officer, South-East Regional Authority, 1 Gladstone Street, Clonmel. Requests must be acknowledged within two weeks and a decision must normally be made within four weeks.
Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations, 2005
The South-East Regional Authority (SERA) complies with the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations, 2005 and we encourage the re-use of the information that we produce. The regulations are available at www.psi.gov.ie.
Information and documents obtained from this website are the copyright of SERA unless otherwise stated and may be reproduced and/or re-used subject to the latest PSI Licence available at www.psi.gov.ie. See also the legal disclaimer of SERA website.
For a list of the information maintained by SERA, please refer to the publications section of the website.
Re-use includes copying, issuing copies to the public, publishing, broadcasting and translating into other languages. It also covers non-commercial research and study.
Certain conditions apply to the re-use of information:
- Acknowledge the source and our copyright in cases where you supply the information to others;
- Reproduce the information accurately;
- Not use the information in a misleading way;
- Information must not be used for the principal purpose of advertising or promoting a particular product or service;
- Not use the information for or in support of illegal, immoral, fraudulent, or dishonest purposes;
- SERA is not liable for any loss or liability associated with the re-use of information and does not certify that the information is up-to-date or error free;
- SERA does not authorise any user to have exclusive rights to re-use of its information;
- The links above are provided to improve public access to information and exist only for convenience of those who use this website.
For further information please contact: Michael Moroney, European Officer
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