Partnership drives growth in the west and northwest
When the west of Ireland is strong the whole country benefits. That belief shaped the work of the Western Development Commission (WDC) throughout 2025, the first year of its regional strategy Unlocking Potential, Driving Change 2025–2029, supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Across towns, cities and rural communities, ambition, talent and ideas are abundant. In 2025, the WDC played a central role in connecting that energy, working with communities, enterprises, local authorities, Government departments and international partners, to support balanced regional development across the west and northwest.
Allan Mulrooney, Chief Executive of the WDC, said:
“Regional development does not happen in isolation. It depends on strong collaboration between communities, enterprise, Government and international partners. The WDC’s role is to bring those elements together, provide leadership and evidence, and ensure the west and northwest are well positioned to benefit from investment and opportunity. The progress made in 2025 shows the value of that partnership-led approach.”
A key example of this approach is the Western Investment Fund, an evergreen fund that reinvests and returns back into the region. In 2025, over €6 million was invested in businesses and communities, bringing total investment in the west to more than €100 million. This included over €1 million in lending to community-led projects.
Last year also marked the fund’s 50th investment in the MedTech and life sciences sector, reinforcing the west’s status as a globally recognised centre of excellence.
These investments represent early progress towards the WDC’s commitment to support the mobilisation of €50 million over the lifetime of the strategy. In parallel, the WDC secured and progressed a number of European-funded projects in 2025, bringing additional investment, expertise and partnerships into the region.
This work reached every part of the western region. Community lending, enterprise supports, EU-funded projects, development initiatives and research programmes engaged with SMEs and community organisations across all seven counties, from Donegal to Clare. The WDC also supported and sponsored events in every county, reflecting a strong place-based approach.
Alongside investment, the WDC supported innovation and enterprise development. Initiatives such as the Landing Studio at CREW Galway, backed creative and innovation-focused companies, while new research on SME adoption of artificial intelligence highlighted the skills and supports needed to accelerate digital transformation. Targeted initiatives also supported marine tourism SMEs to modernise and compete.
Place-based innovation was highlighted through the launch of an immersive visitor experience at Rathcroghan, Co Roscommon, demonstrating how technology and collaboration can support sustainable growth. Connectivity remained central, with the connected hubs network reaching 400 hubs nationally in 2025, enabling people to work locally while remaining globally connected. The model is now being rolled out in France and Finland.
Evidence and policy leadership continued to underpin the WDC’s work. An updated Sustainable Mobility Index for rural towns informed planning aligned with climate and transport priorities, while new research on the regional diaspora explored how engagement with diaspora networks can be strengthened.
Submissions to national consultations ensured the region’s voice was reflected across key policy areas.
The WDC also strengthened relationships in North America and across Europe, hosted its first Regional Resilience Summit, and partnered with TG4 and Dundara Television on Moving West, highlighting people choosing to live and work in the region.
Under its strategy, the WDC has committed to supporting a further 5,000 jobs across the west and northwest, with early delivery focused on building the conditions for sustainable employment.
Last year also saw progress across the wider regional system, with growing alignment between national investment priorities and regional needs.
Key developments included: confirmation that Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris is funded under the National Development Plan 2026–2030; expansion of specialist programmes at Atlantic Technological University; continued strong performance at regional airports, including Ireland West Airport Knock and Shannon Airport.
The story of 2025 is one of alignment, partnership and confidence. Sustaining this momentum will require continued collaboration and long-term investment in infrastructure, skills and communities.
When the west of Ireland is strong, the whole country benefits. The work continues, and the opportunity ahead is a collective one.