The idea of a new regional authority - that would take in Dublin as well as the Midlands - is being branded as bad news by an Independent MEP representing the Midlands.

Marian Harkin says too much attention and resources would be directed towards the capital city, and the needs of the Midlands area would be ignored.

She warns that it could further discriminate against some of the country's most disadvantaged areas.

Regional authorities were designed to create and monitor development plans to be sent to the EU. Harkin says a new authority could potentially be in conflict with European Union policy.

The Independent MEP for the Midlands and Northwest says it is not a good idea to pair the Dublin region with another area:

MEP Harkin also warned "in this new structure there must not be a reduction in the allocation of funding to the rural counties or diversion of investment to projects such as Metro North."