The Council for the West has once again raised concerns about the future of the Western Development Commission (WDC ), which it sees as vital to the future well-being of the Western Region.
Speaking about the critical role of the WDC, Sean Hannick, Council for the West chairman, said that over the past decade and a half, the Western Development Commission has delivered for the region in terms of jobs, infrastructural developments, and improved standards of living for the people who live here.
“It is a statutory body, set up after a long struggle by the people of the west, and is an excellent model for community and regional development which could be emulated elsewhere,” he said. “We are happy to talk with Government and discuss ways and means of making it even more effective, but we cannot see how the region will benefit by its removal.
“It is worth noting that the WDC Investment Fund (WIF ) has invested over €36 million in 80 enterprises throughout the region, resulting in 1,200 jobs and an additional €130 million in private funding.
“However, in 2010 the WIF exchequer funding was significantly reduced and if funding is not made available next year, the WIF’s full potential will not be realised. This will lead to a decline in enterprise development in the region, not to mention jobs losses,” Mr Hannick cautioned.
Citing another example of results delivered by the WDC on behalf of the region, Mr Hannick referred to LookWest.ie “This pioneering initiative has become the ‘voice’ of Ireland’s Western Region with over 750,000 visits from people who want to make the west their home,” he stated.
“Information captured about these visitors to the site tells us that 86 per cent have a third level qualification and 37 per cent have a postgraduate qualification. These are highly educated people who could contribute significantly to the economy of the Western Region and we need to ensure the WDC can continue to support their efforts to move west,” stressed Mr Hannick.
In 2009, the WDC secured the €2.8m EU Funded RASLRES programme on wood biomass for the region. “This project will ultimately provide the region with 900 jobs and up to €15 million per annum. Already, seven pilot projects have been established to commercialise renewable energy – an indigenous industry to which the region is eminently suited. This simply would not have happened without the strategic support of the WDC,” said Mr Hannick.
“The Council for the West believes that the Western Region needs the WDC now more than ever. If investment is cut off when it is most needed, none of us can look forward to a viable region for our future generations. This is something everybody throughout the Western Region should be prepared to fight for with one cohesive voice. If you are a member of any organisation interested in the future of the west get on to your organisation today and ensure that it is actively backing this campaign by taking the requisite steps,” he urged.
