People of the west of Ireland could be forgiven for thinking the Government inhabits a parallel universe because Bertie Ahern and his Ministers appear to be unaware that failure to invest in transport, communications and energy systems is threatening their economic future. As the developed regions continue to grow rapidly, the marginalised counties of the Border, Midlands and West (BMW) limp along in their wake.
The Taoiseach recently advised the Dáil that the BMW region had fared best in terms of employment and investment, though State spending on roads under the national development plan was €500 million behind schedule, while overall investment trailed Government targets by €3.65 billion. The statement was so outrageously at variance with the facts that the Council for the West is seeking a meeting with Mr Ahern before the Cabinet decides on a new development plan, due in January.
Anyone who drives west is aware that road quality deteriorates rapidly once the Shannon has been crossed. The same holds true for rail services and the provision of broadband to give high speed internet access and high voltage electricity for industry. These shortcomings inhibit regional development at a time when Dublin is choking on commuter traffic. And, in spite of a plethora of reports identifying the need for policy change and specific investments, political drift continues.
Living standards have risen in the west of Ireland in recent years. But average GDP income is still one-third lower than in Dublin. And the gap is widening. Moreover, the region is extremely vulnerable to any downturn in the building industry where the construction of holiday homes, fuelled by tax breaks, has had a major impact. Farming remains central, but only 6 per cent of people rely on it solely for income and there is a need to diversify out of agriculture into tourism and other enterprises.
IDA Ireland has complained regularly that inadequate infrastructure makes it impossible to meet development targets. New and better roads are an obvious priority. So is the provision of broadband. And, rather than piping Corrib gas to Dublin and to a generating plant at Galway, the new offshore energy source could be used to develop the industrial estate at Knock airport; revitalise the old electricity plant at Bellacorick and supply companies in Ballaghadereen, Letterkenny and elsewhere. Action is also required in the development of third-level colleges, technology parks and research and development programmes. But, until the Government decides it is serious about the implementation of a national spatial strategy, none of this will happen.