Western Development Commission previews new strategy for regional growth at Dáil briefing
THE Western Development Commission hosted a regional briefing session this week in the AV Room of Dáil Éireann, at the invitation of Minister Dara Calleary. The session offered Oireachtas members an early insight into the WDC’s forthcoming five-year strategy: Unlocking Potential, Driving Change: A Strategy for Regional Growth and Collaboration 2025–2029.
The strategy, which will officially launch on May 30, sets out a out a bold and practical roadmap for the west and northwest, focused on strengthening indigenous enterprise, deepening partnerships, supporting sustainable communities, and scaling social and policy innovation across the region. It outlines a framework for delivering measurable change across the region through collaboration, grounded in strong data and engagement.
The event brought together policymakers and stakeholders from across the region, including officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development, members of the WDC board, and a wide range of TDs, senators and ministers. Attendees included Minister Anne Rabbitte, Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh, Keira Keogh, TD, Claire Kerrane, TD, Pat the Cope Gallagher, MEP, Maria Byrne, Nessa Cosgrove and Seán Kyne.
The session featured contributions from WDC policy analyst Dr. Helen McHenry, who presented the economic trends and data shaping the region’s future; Leah Fairman, national hubs executive, who outlined the journey and national impact of the WDC’s Connected Hubs initiative; and CEO Allan Mulrooney, who shared a preview of the strategy’s core priorities - developed with input from over 250 stakeholders.
“This strategy is about unlocking the full potential of our region - its talent, its innovation, and its communities,” said Mr. Mulrooney.
“We’ve focused on key opportunities and challenges including climate action, AI, and talent retention, while keeping collaboration at the centre. We’re looking forward to sharing the full strategy more widely later this month.”
The WDC extended thanks to Minister Calleary for his continued support and to all those who contributed to this constructive and forward-looking conversation on the future of regional growth and development.
The Western Development Commission is a state agency operating under the Department of Rural and Community Development. In late 2024, the WDC published Bridging the Divide, a report reflecting on 25 years of development across the western region. The report highlighted the organisation’s impact, including support for client companies now responsible for over 35,000 direct jobs and 66,000 indirect jobs, generating more than €3.3 billion in turnover and €2.4 billion in annual exports.