NOW THAT the President-elect, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste all hail from the west of Ireland, consideration may be given to the development of that largely neglected region. Modern infrastructure deficiencies in terms of broadband speeds, energy supplies and transport have made it difficult to attract investment or to develop local enterprises. Where energy from the Corrib gas field offered hope, no provision was made to supply industries or households in much of the region.
A cursory glance at a map that delineates the State’s infrastructure provides convincing proof of neglect. Balanced regional development and spatial planning was promised during the general election campaign. And while the current economic climate may deny adequate funding for this approach, lessons from the past show the disastrous consequences of undirected activity. In the upper Shannon area, tax incentives increased the vacant housing stock by 50 per cent; ghost estates now litter the landscape and unemployment has soared. Proper long-term planning is needed to identify and exploit the natural advantages of the region; to encourage enterprise and ensure that sustainable jobs are created at local level.
The Dublin region will remain the primary engine of growth. But that should not translate into neglect and decay in other areas. A removal of subsidies for Galway and Sligo airports has brought a reduction in services there. The development of some road and rail services will be postponed. Investment in the internet, broadband and educational services has slowed. The west of Ireland has also been losing out in terms of tourism, attracting a declining percentage of visitors, while the east coast has benefited from short-stay holidaymakers. A rise in farm incomes has softened the blow caused by unemployment in the construction sector. But it has not prevented a rise in emigration. Towns in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon are at a major disadvantage because they have been excluded from the natural gas network and will not benefit from the Corrib gas field. A study by the Western Development Commission estimated that small industries in those areas could make savings of €16 million a year in lower fuel prices, while householders would benefit by almost €500. Such considerations can make the difference between the survival or closure of small businesses while improving the quality of life of local residents.
The gas network should be expanded as a first step towards regional equity.