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Project Ireland 2040

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2018

Wednesday, 21 February 2018

Questions (33)

Seán Canney

Question:

33. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the concept of the Atlantic economic corridor and its development is provided for in the Project Ireland 2040 plan which encompasses the national planning framework and the national development plan. [8501/18]

View answer

Written answers

The overarching objective of the Atlantic Economic Corridor proposal is to maximise the assets along the western seaboard and connect the economic hubs, clusters and catchments of the region to attract investment, support job creation and contribute to an improved quality of life.

Project Ireland 2040 fully supports the development of the AEC and specifically highlights the contribution that the AEC can make to achieving the regional growth objectives of the National Planning Framework. Furthermore, the identification in the NPF of Sligo and Letterkenny as regional growth centres, along with Limerick and Galway cities, means that a there will be a strong network of towns and cities along the Corridor to help drive the future development of the AEC.

The National Development Plan, which sets out the Government’s capital investment priorities to 2027, includes commitments to a number of infrastructural projects which will help to support the development of the AEC region, with a particular emphasis on improving access to the North-West. The Atlantic Road Corridor is also referenced as a particular priority, linking Cork, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. Other investment commitments in the Plan in relation to rural development, education and innovation and compact growth, will also benefit the AEC region as a whole.

In order to support the development of the AEC, I have offered to co-fund the appointment of an AEC Officer in each of the Local Authorities along the Corridor. The role of these officers will be to support the work of the Taskforce which was established to progress the AEC proposal, and which I chair. The AEC Officer network will also ensure a coordinated approach in each Local Authority area to developing the concept.

Questions Nos. 34 to 39, inclusive, answered orally.
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