Shannon saga may be repeated says forum head
The forum, which continues today, has been organised by a network of community-based groups who aim to redefine the term Balanced Regional Development.
They describe the Government’s approach to developing regions as flawed.
Those attending included Eamon Ó Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and John Brassil, chairman of Shannon Development.
Conference organisers claim the National Development Plan has only been partially realised due to the lack of a cohesive partnership approach to its implementation.
Richard Cahill, chairman of Clare Community Forum said: “The Government is failing to achieve the National Development Plan objective of balanced and sustainable regional development. Its reneging of commitments regarding the protection of Shannon Airport’s slots at London Heathrow is a prime example of this failure.”
He called on the Government to seriously look at its policies on regional development, not just for the Midwest region but for all areas outside of the greater Dublin area.
The situation that Shannon finds itself in, he warned, may be repeated elsewhere throughout the country if the Government fails to fulfil objectives under its own National Development Policy and National Spatial Strategy.
The aim of the conference will be to formulate solutions, which will be presented to the Government.
Dr William Hynes, a lecturer and regional development expert, provided an overview of what regional infrastructure development means from a European perspective. He said the European experience can be executed at local level in Ireland.
Tina Lowe a blind graduate working with the Association for Higher Education Access spoke about her work with National Forum of Graduates with Disabilities, a project that is concerned with employment issues for students and graduates with disabilities.
