The subregional advisory and working groups were established by the Government to assist in the preparation of the National Development Plan. These groups played a major role in identifying development needs and priorities at subregional and local level and provided a valuable input to the planning process. The groups completed their task in March 1989 when the National Development Plan was finalised for submission to the EC Commission.
In the discussions between the Government and the EC Commission on the plan and supporting operational programmes, the importance of subregional involvement in monitoring the implementation of Structural Fund aided measures was recognised. The Community Support Framework subsequently adopted by the EC Commission, to govern the provision of Structural Fund aid to Ireland, specifically provides for the establishment of subregional review committees. The subregional review committees will broadly comprise the previous subregional advisory and working groups. The subregional review committees will be regularly informed and consulted about the implementation of Structural Fund aided measures in, or significantly affecting, the subregions concerned. My Department will be responsible for ensuring that the subregional review committees are kept properly informed. Nominations have been sought from the various bodies to be represented on the subregional review committees and it is envisaged that they will be convened as soon as the operational programmes have been approved by the EC Commission.