Madam, - As the general election approaches, it is imperative that we acknowledge how globalisation has changed the nature of our economy and made the greater Dublin area the economic driver of Irish prosperity. For in past discussions of economic policy and capital investment strategy that fact has often been forgotten. Assessing national investment decisions in terms of whether they are good for Dublin or the rest of the country is a recipe for disaster.
IDA Chief Executive Seán Dorgan spelt out the new reality not long ago when he launched his annual report. He reminded us that in the battle for foreign direct investment Ireland is now competing with city regions with a population of more than a million people. Dublin is the only Irish city that meets that criterion and therefore it is the only Irish city capable of offering premier-division competition when it matters.
Greater Dublin is not in competition with any other region on this island but with other key cities throughout the world. City-regions are now internationally recognised as key drivers of economic growth because they offer companies the highly skilled people, advanced services and infrastructure they need as well as the higher education institutions that are essential in helping to create the right environment for successful R&D projects.
Dublin generates half of all national output and employs two out of every five workers in the State. It is clear that if Dublin falters, Ireland as a whole will take a big hit because the city drives economic growth, innovation and employment for the whole island. In other words, investing in world-class infrastructure in the greater Dublin area is in everyone's interest. If that message is lost during the general election everyone on this island will lose.
It would be very encouraging to see a political drive towards a greater Dublin area authority answerable to a directly elected mayor - a practical way of helping to ensure not only that the city's prosperity and development are advanced, but that a more effective structure is created to build regional links to spread Dublin's success on a national basis.
- Yours, etc,
TONY BOYLE, President, North Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.