Balanced growth for all needed more than ever

It is hard to argue with the contention that we should have a balanced economy. It means an economy that not only has a broad mix of industries where we are highly effective and competitive but an economy that enhances the potential of the whole country.

Earlier this week the Limerick Chamber criticised the dominance of Dublin Airport. It said that aviation must be a key focus area for the Government if it is to redress the current economic imbalances. In its submission to the National Planning Framework (NPF), the chamber said in the long-term, regional cities will play a key role in rebalancing the national economy.

While the chamber specifically referred to cities in the west, it is more than reasonable in my view to say that southern cities have played and will play an even bigger part in the sustainable growth of the Irish economy. However, they will only do so only if investments flow to ensure that such locations have the infrastructure, as well as the necessary trained people to attract and develop the industries and businesses of the future.