EVENTS

PURPLE Network - Peri-Urban Regions Platform for Europe

The “PURPLE” network focuses on specific peri-urban geographical areas, (that is, areas which form the fringe between distinctively urban and rural landscapes), and addresses the interrelation between metropolitan areas and the adjacent countryside. PURPLE was set up in 2004 bringing together the following city-regions - Catalunya, Flanders, Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Île de France, Mazovia, MHAL (Province of Limburg), Nord Pas de Calais, Regio Randstad, Rhône-Alpes, South East England, Stockholm, West Midlands - to work closely to maximise the advantages resulting from their location in proximity to large urban areas while minimising adverse impacts on landscape, the environment and heritage which characterises these areas. 

The DRA joined this network in 2007 and the benefits of membership have been – shared experience on rural policies and activities; shared approaches to EU Commission proposals including CAP Reform, Climate Change and Biodiversity; shared knowledge on urban/rural policies and practices. The DRA exchanges best practice with our partners and has the active participation of the 4 Dublin Local Authorities. Furthermore, the PURPLE Network elected the DRA elected representatives to its Executive Board.

The DRA will host the 2011 General Assembly of the Purple Network (in May, 2011) and will hold a conference on the theme of ‘Enabling Sustainable Communities’. This will be a European event with participants from the European partner regions as well as local communities groups, schools and individuals.