Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
76. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline any plans to strengthen the role of the Western Development Commission in order to drive investment in the West; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28360/23]
View answerOur Rural Future clearly recognises the economic potential of our rural regions, towns and villages and prioritises the objective of achieving balanced regional and rural development.
Within this context, the Western Development Commission (the WDC), aims to foster and promote economic and social development in the Western Region. Operating under the ageis of my Department, the WDC implements a range of innovative and targeted initiatives which help to deliver on their remit.
For example, a particularly notable achievement of the WDC is the delivery of the Western Investment Fund. This Fund was established two decades ago to invest public funds in businesses based in the West of Ireland. Over the years, this unique fund has yielded impressive results, generating a return of nearly two-and-a-half times its original value. This success has injected €3.3 billion into Ireland's economy, and in the past year alone the Fund has disbursed over €10m across a wide range of investments in the region.
The WDC has also been central in rolling out and developing the national hub network, ConnectedHubs.ie. This important initiative will see the establishment of a network of 400 remote working hubs, helping to bring jobs, investment and many social benefits to rural communities, including in the West.
Married to such initiatives, the global promotion of the Western region is another key focus for the WDC. For example, the Deputy may have seen the very successful TV series, Moving West, which is one of a range of initiatives aimed at highlighting the benefits of living, moving to and working in the West.
Outside of this valuable work of the WDC, I remain committed to supporting the development of and investment in the Western region, and Our Rural Future contains a range of actions and initiatives in this regard.
I will continue to work proactively with the WDC and with colleagues across government to support our shared goal of balanced regional development.
