Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has welcomed the launch of the Regional Development Monitor (RDM ), stating the data must be used to address regional deficits. The online interactive data platform will monitor a wide range of socioeconomic indicators across placemaking, climate action and economic development.
The Regional Development Monitor provides unique economic and social insights and will be an important window to the performance and impact on the ground of national and regional policies. It provides a state of play of local and regional competitiveness and allows us to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of regions across a range of areas.
IBEC said that the information must be used to track and improve the impact of planning on regional development. The focus must be on utilising the information to better engage in evidence-based planning and decision making when determining how to allocate resources across the state.
“The data must guide targeted investments to drive improvements in environmental sustainability, economic development and quality of life. It must ensure the demand for public investment across all regions is met with a renewed focus on accelerated delivery of vital infrastructure,” they added.
