The Líonra network was founded in 2000 to develop a collaborative response  by the third level sector to the developmental needs of the Border, Midlands, Western (BMW) region.

Líonra plans and implements collaborative projects which address specific educational and training needs across the region.

In the first five years of its existence, Líonra has succeeded in attracting funding of over €5 million for a wide range of education and training projects.  To improve access to third level and address educational disadvantage, the network has established strong links with local communities and outreach centres across the region. 

An important part of the Líonra function is liaison with social partners, the BMW assembly, government departments and agencies, and international bodies. The network has established links with Government departments, The BMW Regional Assembly, Enterprise Ireland, the VEC, IBEC, SIPTU, FÁS, Skillnets and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The synergy released by these partnerships provides a new dynamism to improve the region’s capacity for sustained development and innovation.