Northern & Western Regional Assembly

09/01/2026

A record number of households and businesses had solar panels installed last year.

09/01/2026

📢 €23 million boost for Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs‼️
Minister Peter Burke TD has announced €23 million in additional funding for Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), supporting SMEs and public bodies to adopt AI and advanced digital technologies.

Data2Sustain, led by Technological University, is one of the four national hubs. It supports organisations—particularly across Ireland’s West and North West—through technical consultancy, test-before-invest services, business and financial advice, and skills development.

🤝 is a core partner in the consortium, and is delighted to be part of the second phase of Data2Sustain, continuing our role in connecting regional stakeholders, sharing best practice, and supporting public sector organisations to access European networks and digital expertise.

Find out more about the announcement: https://www.ernact.eu/NewsDetail.aspx?MediaNewsId=1766

*Photo provided by Piquant.
Representatives of Ireland's 4 EDIHs: (L-R) Karin Jancykova, FactoryXChange; Carlota Márquez-Graña, ENTIRE EDIH; Mike Conroy Data2Sustain; Laura Plunkett, CeADAR Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland Atlantic Technological University University of Galway WestBIC Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing - AIM Centre Údarás na Gaeltachta Local Enterprise Office Mayo

08/01/2026

Congratulations to Nina Roche from Drumshanbo Vocational College DVS on winning the Graduate.ie competition 🏆 and a educational trip to the European Parliament 🇪🇺 in Strasbourg!
🇮🇪 🇪🇺

We have another week 10 winner!
Congratulations to:

Nina Roche
Drumshanbo Vocational School, Co. Leitrim

Prize Sponsored By:
Leitrim County Council & Northern & Western Regional Assembly
Graduate.ie Quiz will return next Monday!
www.graduate.ie

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The Graduate.ie programme is sponsored by:
European Parliament
Tipperary County Council
Southern Regional Assembly
Leitrim County Council
Mayo County Council
Louth County Council
Fingal County Council
Health and Safety Authority
Roscommon County Council
Ombudsman for Children's Office
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Clare County Council
Northern & Western Regional Assembly
Communicating Europe
Cavan County Council
Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly
of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation
Fáilte Ireland
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman - FSPO

08/01/2026

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has announced that Data2Sustain, the European Digital Innovation Hub in Northern and Western Region, has been awarded funding for phase 2 of the EDIH programme from 2026-2029.
Speaking about the announcement by, Conall McGettigan, acting Director of the NWRA said: "The NWRA warmly welcomes the announcement that Data2Sustain will continue to receive funding for Phase 2 of Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs programme. This initiative plays a crucial role in helping enterprises and public bodies across our region improve their competitiveness and services through innovative digital transformation projects and upskilling.

A key success factor for Data2Sustain has been the high level of collaboration between the consortium of public bodies, economic development agencies, and the two Universities in the region.

This renewed investment allows Data2Sustain to act as a primary mechanism for delivering the digital transition objectives of our Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). By empowering SMEs and public bodies to adopt data-driven solutions, we are directly advancing our ambition to build a 'Smarter, More Competitive, and Connected Region.' This is a vital step in transitioning our region’s innovation status and ensuring that the Northern and Western region remains a resilient and attractive place for investment and sustainable growth."

The Data2Sustain Phase 2 core partners are Atlantic Technological University (ATU), University of Galway, WestBIC, Advanced Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre, European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology (ERNACT), Údarás na Gaeltachta (UDARAS), and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) in the West and North-West.

The nine associate partners in Data2Sustain Phase 2 are Alpha Innovation, CREW Digital, Future Cast, Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway (ITAG), MSL Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Platform94, PorterShed, Western Development Commission (WDC) and Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA).

Pictured are representatives of Ireland's four European Digital Innovation Hubs; CeADAR, Data2Sustain, ENTIRE, and FactoryXChange.

Read more about the announcement on our website: https://www.nwra.ie/minister-burke-announces-e23-million-for-european-digital-innovation-hubs-including-data2sustain-to-support-sme-digitalisation

06/01/2026

05/01/2026

🌍 New Year, new EU goals

Here are some of the top priorities for 2026 that will shape our Europe further:

🌿 Climate: Climate package with revised national targets and updates to the EU carbon market, plus Energy Union measures to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and drive clean tech leadership.

🏗️ Housing: Short-term rentals initiative and Construction Services Act, to boost energy-efficient renovations, energy security and jobs in sustainable building.

🛡️ Defence: Stronger European defence capabilities, including advanced technologies and better coordination, to keep people safe in an uncertain world.

💼 Quality Jobs and Education: Quality Jobs Act, plus education package with European school alliances, and digital education roadmap, for high-skill training in future technologies.

Europe’s future is looking brighter than ever.

05/01/2026

Are you interested in applying for Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme project under the 6th call, don't miss the Q&A webinar taking place on the 14th January 2026.

Wishing everyone a great start to the new year! We are looking forward to an exciting 2026 ahead! 🎉

A reminder to 6th Call applicants: our Q&A session is coming up soon — 14th January at 13.00 CET - this is your last chance to clarify any remaining questions before submitting your application.

⏰ Important deadlines are just around the corner
📅 Submission deadline: 2 February 2026
🕛 Applications must be submitted in JEMS (https://jems.interreg-npa.e) before noon (12:00 CET)

‼️ Please note that the system automatically closes at 12:00 CET, and unfortunately no submissions can be accepted after this time. ‼️

Make sure you are ready, double-check your application, and don’t miss the opportunity to clarify any doubts next week! We look forward to receiving your project proposals!

REGISTER FOR THE Q&A 👉https://www.interreg-npa.eu/news-events/online-questions-and-answers-session-for-applicants/

23/12/2025

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir. 🎄🥳

NWRA members and staff wish all our stakeholders and partners a very Merry Christmas and a successful year ahead in 2026.

19/12/2025

Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, provides a range of practical support and advice to Irish tourism businesses.

19/12/2025

The NWRA was delighted to support the Connaught Ulster Regional Session of the European Youth Parliament Ireland 2025 which took place at the of Galway from the 7-9th November 2025.

NWRA Cathaoirleach . Micheal Frain addressed over one hundred 4th, 5th and 6th year second level students from all across Connacht and Ulster and spoke about his role as an Elected Member and his involvement in local and regional community projects and initiatives.

Cllr Frain highlighted the vital role young people play in shaping the future of our region and encouraged participants to make their voices heard through active engagement in debates and public consultations.

The three-day event was expertly organised and coordinated by Ella Joyce and Órlaith Nugent on behalf of .

Read more above the event on our website: https://www.nwra.ie/nwra-supports-connaught-ulster-regional-session-of-the-european-youth-parliament/

19/12/2025

Earlier this month, NWRA’s Caroline McGowan and John Daly attended the 2nd RuralProof - Interreg Europe Interregional Meeting and Study Visit in Latvia. 🇱🇻

Alongside project partners and stakeholders, they discussed the significant challenges facing rural communities and exchanged Good practices from different regions which help drive regional development. Collaborative learning like this is key to finding sustainable solutions for our rural areas.

17/12/2025