THE draft Border, midlands and western region strategy proposes:
an £8.4 billion development plan for 2000-2006
convergence of economies in the east and west
development of regional urban centres to attract inward investment, with Sligo and Athlone targeted as cities on the Galway model
development of Tralee, Co Kerry, Letterkenny, Co Donegal and Castlebar, Co Mayo as regional urban centres
upgrading of institutes of technology in Sligo and Athlone to university status
establishment of new technology parks in Sligo and Athlone on the "Plassey" model in Limerick
increased investment in road, rail and telecommunications
implementation of urban and village renewal programmes
