Taoiseach urged to address regional imbalances during special meeting
THE Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) has held a special meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and outlined a priority list of major projects - including some in Mayo - which it says are urgently needed to address some of the region’s key development challenges.
In a wide-ranging presentation, Mr. Varadkar listened to representatives of the NWRA as they outlined that the region’s infrastructure deficits are seriously undermining the development of the northern and western region’s economy - and they called for greater investment in the motorway, higher education and rail networks of Ireland’s most rural oriented region.
The Assembly’s region, which encompasses Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Monaghan and Cavan, is officially classified as a ‘Transition Region’ by the European Commission. The title is given to regions in which the GDP per capita is between 75% and 100% of the EU27 average.
It is the only region in Ireland to hold such a status with development challenges ranging from lower productivity and educational attainment and a weaker skills base and business environment.
At the meeting in Monaghan, the Taoiseach was told that disposable income in the region is just 84% of the State average - which is much lower compared to previous years - and that the region’s share of Ireland’s population has been in decline since 2011.
The NWRA, represented by councillors from its member counties and director Denis Kelly, set out a series of specific priorities which it wants the Taoiseach to advance.
These include:
Addressing regional imbalances by providing more than half of funding under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to the Northern and Western Region for the next EU funding period (2028-2035)
Prioritising the delivery of a series of key infrastructure projects, including ATU infrastructure, roads and rail infrastructure within and linking urban centres of scale.
Enhancing governance mechanisms around the delivery of the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) and the strategic plans of Letterkenny, Sligo town and Athlone, ensuring some level of regional autonomy is provided to the regions.
Removing the match-funding requirements for projects under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund and the Rural Regeneration Development Fund in the Northern and Western Region, which local authorities say is restricting funding applications for these schemes and undermining efforts to support regional development.
In a pre-Budget submission earlier this year, the NWRA called on the government for the provision of a stimulus package worth at least €570m to the region to stem growing regional inequality and deliver balanced regional development in Ireland.
The NWRA has urged the adoption of a policy of 'positive discrimination' to develop infrastructure projects of scale. It also wants a Citizens Assembly to examine how greater levels of regional autonomy can be delivered, with Ireland’s centralised government system credited for the high levels of regional inequality and disengagement in rural regions.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Varadkar said: “Balanced regional development is good for the whole country and this region is more competitive in creating jobs, access to broadband and access to third-level education. Many important infrastructure projects have been built in the region in recent years, many more are advancing, and I was pleased to voice my strong support for the Galway ring road project.
“It is a challenge for any country to spread development away from the capital and other big cities, but it is something we are committed to, which is why I set up the Department of Rural and Community Development in 2017 with a fund of €1 billion to invest in rural areas. The positive benefits are there for everyone to see in towns and villages all over Ireland.”
NWRA director Denis Kelly said: “Urgent action is needed to address the Northern and Western Region’s many development challenges. In recent years, residents of our region have seen their level of disposable income fall to around 84% of the national average, which is much lower compared to the mid to late 2000s when the gap ranged from 92% to 94%. The region is ranked the 114th most competitive regional economy in the 234 regions in the EU’s Regional Competitiveness Index and ranks 218th in terms of infrastructure.
“In agreeing to meet the NWRA representatives, the Taoiseach was able to hear the economic progress which has been made in the region but also hear first-hand about the various issues inhibiting economic growth in our region and our many proposals for kick-starting development in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland.
“In our presentation we identified a series of proposed infrastructure projects from across our region which we feel should be prioritised as a matter of urgency, and suggested reforms in terms of the allocation of European funds. The implementation of these measures would provide the platform for sustainable growth. We are very grateful to the Taoiseach for his time and attention and look forward to working together to provide better services and greater economic growth for the people of our region.”
Councillor John Naughten, cathaoirleach of the NWRA, said: “There is an urgent need to reverse the economic decline in our region. As the Taoiseach has heard first-hand from our members, the underinvestment in critical enabling infrastructure has hampered development in our Northern and Western counties. It’s time for an economic stimulus to give our young people hope for a better future, in this region.”