A landmark report commissioned by the Western Development Commission (WCD) has found critical challenges facing the western and north western region in the areas of infrastructure, housing and income.
The report found that average disposable income in the region is over €3,000 below the national average.
New house completions in the western region fell from 22% of the national total in 1999 to 11% last year despite the region representing 17% of the population.
The report also found underinvestment in road infrastructure remains a major barrier to regional growth.
It added the western region also remains constrained by its underdeveloped electricity grid, limiting its ability to lead Ireland’s transition to renewable energy.
Entitled ‘Bridging the Divide, 25 Years of Transformation in the Western region,’ the report was prepared by Indecon to mark 25 years of the WDC’s existence.
It also highlights notable success such as job creation, economic growth, and enhanced third-level educational provision in the region.
The WDC has helped companies generate over €3.35 billion in cumulative revenue and €2.4 billion in exports since 1999; supporting over 280 companies and 35,347 full-time equivalent job years between 1999 and 2023.
Chief Executive of the WDC Allan Mulrooney said “while we’ve achieved a lot in the last 25 years, the Western and Northwestern Region is at a tipping point”.
Mr Mulrooney believes “targeted investment in high-value areas like infrastructure, connectivity, and renewable energy is needed to ensure long-term prosperity for the region”.
Approximately 64% of the region’s population continues to live in rural areas – compared to just 36% nationally – the report says this presents a dual challenge.
“The region’s rural strength can be an engine for growth, but only if we address the infrastructure shortfalls collaboratively,” Mr Mulrooney said.
“While the WDC policy team has made recommendations and submissions to the National Development Plan (NDP) and National Planning Framework (NPF) and some strides have been made, the region is lagging in comparison,” he said.
The report says road transport remains the dominant mode in the western region, driven by its rural nature and high dependence on private cars.
All counties in the western region, except Donegal, have rail access, but services are predominantly focused on routes to Dublin.
However, issues with capacity, journey times, and scheduling persist, particularly on the Sligo-Dublin line.
A Regional Development Summit was held at Lough Rynn Castle in Co Leitrim this morning where the future of regional development was discussed.
Mr Mulrooney says Budget 2025 marks an important stride for rural Ireland, adding that the WDC remains committed to working as a critical partner with the Government to ensure investments lead to tangible improvements in the region.
The WDC is tasked with promoting sustainable social and economic development in Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo.
Speaking at today’s Regional Development Summit, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary said the challenges facing the western region should not become the narrative.
“The overall theme of the report is positive. It reflects on the huge progress over the last 25 years and I think we can’t lose the positives. There are challenges, absolutely – don’t let the challenges become the narrative.
“We are investing significantly in road infrastructure across this region. The new National Development Plan has got extra resources. This week, we have made funding calls in relation to water, housing and grid infrastructure which is essential for this region. They will be supercharged with investment over the coming years.”
Minister Calleary said they have also made announcements through the Shared Island Fund.
“We’ll be funding the A5 Road Scheme along with the N5 Road Scheme. Road infrastructure is crucial in terms of national road infrastructure but most importantly, regional road infrastructure. We’re increasing investment.”
He said the new planning and development bill will pass through the Oireachtas in the coming weeks and it will give certainty to those who are promoting projects.
“It gives certainty around timelines and that for this region is absolutely essential as well.
Minister Calleary said he thinks the region is on the cusp of something huge in terms of Ireland’s potential in offshore renewable energy.
“We’re beginning to put the pieces in place that this region can harness that investment.
“I think the Western Development Commission 20 years ago highlighted the potential for renewable energy in this region and its ideally placed to harness it on behalf of the entire region now.”
Article Source – Western Region ‘continues to lag other regions’, says development commission – RTE