Introduction to the DRA

Powers and Functions

The Dublin Regional Authority was established under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1991 (Regional Authorities) (Establishment) Order, 1993. The functional area of the Authority covers the four local authority areas of Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The Dublin Region occupies an area of 92,200 hectares and has a population of 1.217m.

The Authority has the primary roles of preparing and implementing Regional Planning Guidelines in tandem with the Mid-East Regional Authority for the Greater Dublin Area; and for promoting co-ordination in the provision of public services in the region, which includes promoting co-operation and joint action between local authorities, public authorities and other bodies.

The Authority has responsibility to review the provision of public services and the overall development needs of the region. In addition the Authority has the responsibility to provide proposals, advice, information and recommendations to Government for the purposes of plans and programmes relating to EU assistance and to review the implementation of measures for which EU assistance is made available.

The principal functions include:

Preparation of Regional Planning Guidelines under the Planning and Development Act, 2000

Preparation of Regional Economic and Social Strategies covering the development needs and investment priorities of the region.

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

Reviewing the Development Plans of local authorities in the region and in adjoining regions

Making statements on matters that may be requested by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government or a constituent

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

Membership of the Regional Authorities comprises elected public representatives nominated by the four constituent Local Authorities within the Region. Regional Authorities are assisted in the exercise of their functions by Operational Committees. These generally comprise the Chief Officers of local authorities and state agencies in the respective regions.