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Regional Development Initiatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2018

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Ceisteanna (215)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

215. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the Atlantic economic corridor; if he will report on the recruitment of officers in this regard; the role envisaged for these officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25380/18]

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Freagraí scríofa

The objective of the Atlantic Economic Corridor proposal is to maximise the assets along Ireland’s western seaboard to attract investment, support job creation and contribute to an improved quality of life for those who live there.

The Atlantic Economic Corridor Taskforce was established in March 2017 to progress the proposal. I chair the Taskforce which includes senior representatives from the business sector, key Government Departments, other public bodies, and Third Level institutions. The Taskforce has met five times since it was established, and will continue to meet on a regular basis.

A number of sub-groups of the Taskforce are also working to progress specific aspects of the overall proposal, such as examining infrastructure needs and enterprise property assets, and developing a communications strategy.

Local Authorities are playing a key role in the development of the AEC, and in particular are helping to ensure a cohesive approach is taken across the corridor. My Department is providing funding of €30,000 to each of the 10 Local Authorities along the AEC to support the appointment of a dedicated AEC Officer to help drive the project in each area. The Local Authorities are currently in the process of assigning these officers.

It is envisaged that the AEC Officers will have a particular focus in supporting the work of the Taskforce's sub-groups. They will also play a role in the overall communications strategy which will promote the benefits of the corridor and raise awareness of the AEC as an attractive region to invest in and to live in.

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