'National Development Plan Plus' programme vital to support west's economic recovery
A SUBSTANTIALLY enhanced and more ambitious ‘National Development Plan Plus’ programme of investment is vital to support the economic recovery of the west.
Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, says government must seize the opportunities of the unprecedented wealth-generating capacity of the Irish economy and deliver an ambitious programme of world class public services and infrastructure development for the region.
Among the key recommendations being made by Ibec's West Regional Executive Committee is the upgrade the entire N5 Westport to Longford route and the upgrading of the Atlantic Economic Corridor from Galway northwards by completing the M17 Tuam to Sligo route.
In a statement following its submission to the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP), Ibec said that decades of chronic underinvestment in key infrastructure is threatening to undermine the prospects for economic recovery for the west. Furthermore, such under-investment has catalysed quality-of-life challenges in areas such as housing, environment, health, childcare, and commuting, which are key to regional and national competitiveness and prosperity and require significant investment.
Senior regional executive Helen Leahy said: “A substantially enhanced and more ambitious ‘NDP Plus’ programme of investment will be vital to support the economic recovery of the west.
“Investment is needed to make the region more resilient and globally competitive due to Covid, Brexit and other global threats, with sectors such as tourism, leisure, and hospitality particularly exposed. The downgrading of the region by the EU from a ‘More Developed Region’ to a ‘Region in Transition’ makes a compelling case for accelerated investment.”
She continued: “In rural areas across the west, tourism is a key economic driver. Tourism should be placed at the centre of the NDP as it has huge potential to contribute to the national policy of balanced regional development.
“Also, the delivery of key regional investment projects that will drive regional employment growth will be crucial post-pandemic. The Atlantic Corridor is key to balancing future development on the island. Strong transport links within the region and between regions are vital, and key projects need to be progressed with urgency and delivered.
“Covid has shown the urgent need for investment in digital connectivity, and the NBP delivery must be accelerated to allow the region to embrace the economic opportunities remote working may offer.”
Some the key recommendations of the Ibec West Regional Executive Committee include:
Increase capital investment in the further and higher education sector and establish a Technological University in the region.
Upgrade the Atlantic Economic Corridor from Galway northwards by completing the M17 Tuam to Sligo and N15 Sligo to Letterkenny.
Accelerate the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan and ensure a supportive regulatory environment for the successful roll-out of 5G.
Implement the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and deliver vital public transport across metropolitan Galway.
Complete the N6 Galway City Ring Road, a key component of the GTS.
Upgrade the entire N5 Westport to Longford route, improving connectivity between the West, Midlands, and Dublin.
Invest in future Port of Galway developments and expansion, including the facilitation of offshore renewable energy projects.
Revitalise town centres to ensure their future viability and underpin recovery across the region.
Prioritise leisure and tourism investment to fulfil the huge potential of the sector on the Western seaboard as one of the main drivers of balanced regional development.