Conference to use British case study for renewal of west

THE strategy being used to fight the economic imbalance between the north and south-east of England will form a case study at a conference which will focus on issues impacting on Ireland’s western seaboard.

Titled The Atlantic Way Symposium — A Vision for Development, the Shannon Chamber of Commerce event will take place at Westpark, Shannon, on December 4.

Speakers will include Andrew Lewis, director of the Northern Way, which drew up a 20-year strategy to transform the economy of the north of England, and Paul O’Brien, chief executive of the Atlantic Way.

Mr O’Brien said: “This seminar will focus on maximising and developing the true potential of the western seaboard as business movers and shakers from the length of the Atlantic corridor will gather to share ideas, promote development and guarantee progress for the western region into the future,” he said.

The event is supported by the Ennis, Limerick and Galway Chambers of Commerce.

Andrew Lewis said the event will provide an excellent opportunity for him to share the Northern Way’s experience when addressing the north-south economic divide within England.

Shannon Chamber president Eoin Hoctor said: “The west has a lot to shout about and it is now time to get the good news stories back out there. I would hope this event will work to focus the growth of the west of Ireland and empower the business community to progress ahead.”

* Tickets for the event can be purchased from Shannon Chamber on 061-360611.