Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
750. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress which has been made on the commitment in the programme for Government in developing an enhanced role for the Western Development Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20351/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government includes a specific commitment to reinforce the role of the WDC to support the implementation of the regional jobs plans in the West and North-West. This is being done in a number of ways:
- The WDC is represented on the Implementing Committees which oversee the delivery of the Action Plans for Jobs for the West and North-West regions.
- The body is also represented on the Monitoring Committee for the Action Plan for Rural Development which is chaired by Minister Humphreys. The WDC is assisting my Department, as part of a sub-group of the Monitoring Committee, in developing indicators to measure the impact of the Action Plan on rural communities.
- The Commission is also represented on a new Taskforce which I established in March to progress the concept of an Atlantic Economic Corridor along the western seaboard. The WDC is involved in a sub-group of the Taskforce which is mapping out the options for EU funding which could support the development of the Western region.
- The WDC has also assisted my Department in participating in, and reporting on, a public Dialogue on the implications of Brexit for areas such as rural communities, regional SMEs, culture, the Irish language, and heritage and outdoor recreation.
The WDC is an important part of a wider focus on regional development by the Government, which also involves a deeper role in economic development by the Local Authorities and the Regional Assemblies. The WDC’s involvement in an increasing number of initiatives, such as those outlined above, go beyond the role the body has played to date.
