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| Shannon/Heathrow Issue To Feature at Regional Development Conference |
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| Ireland(prwindow)-
October 21 2007 -Bunratty, Co. Clare, 22nd October 2007 – The Government's handling of the Shannon-Heathrow issue will take centre stage today as key commentators specialising in regional development gather for a two-day conference in Bunratty, Co Clare. |
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 The event is organised by a network of Community-based forums from outside Dublin who are pledging to redefine the term 'Balanced Regional Development' amidst what they describe as the Government's flawed approach to developing regions beyond the Pale.
The Conference, entitled 'Balancing Regional Development', will be attended by some of Ireland's leading academics, commentators and organisations in the field of Regional Development, including Mr. Eamon O'Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; John Brassil, Chair of Shannon Development; Dr. William Hynes, Director of Postgraduate Planning Degrees in University College Dublin (UCD); and Dr. Seamus Caulfield of the Council for the West. The Conference will be chaired by Mayor of Clare and Atlantic Connectivity Alliance member Cllr. Patricia McCarthy.
Conference organisers claim the National Development Plan has only been only partially realised due to the lack of a cohesive partnership approach to its implementation.
"The Government is failing to achieve the National Development Plan objective of balanced and sustainable regional development. Its reneging of commitments regarding the protection of Shannon Airport's slots at London Heathrow is a prime example of this failure", explained Richard Cahill, Chairperson of the Clare Community Forum.
He continued, "The Government must now seriously look at its policies on regional development, not just for the Midwest Region but for all areas outside of the greater Dublin area. Community and Voluntary groups and organisations throughout Ireland are of the opinion that a strong and consistent counter-balance to Dublin and the Eastern region will ensure that the economic development of the country is maximised, benefiting the entire population of Ireland, not just those in the regions."
"The situation that Shannon Airport finds itself in may be repeated elsewhere throughout the country if the Government fails to fulfil objectives under its own National Development Policy and National Spatial Strategy. Another example is the struggling decentralisation of government departments. We need to refocus the Government's attention on its obligations and commitments given and to re-emphasise that infrastructure and access are critical to achieving balanced regional development in Ireland", said Mr. Cahill.
"The media is awash with reports of organisations, politicians and community groups stressing the need for balanced regional development with many highlighting the imbalance that exists, in terms of State investment in the Regions. This level of criticism, well intentioned as it may be, needs to become more focused on identifying ways to rectify the regional development imbalance that exists between Dublin and the Regions. The aim of the upcoming Conference will be to formulate such solutions, which will in turn be presented to the Government", concluded Mr. Cahill.
Among the speakers scheduled to address the symposium is the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Event organisers have expressed optimism that Minister Eamon O’Cuiv, T.D., will deliver the Conference findings to the Government with a view to addressing inequities within Regional Development Policy.
Meanwhile, Dr. William Hynes, a U.C.D. Lecturer and Regional Development expert, will provide an overview of what regional infrastructure development means from a European perspective. He will be explaining how the European experience can be executed at local level in Ireland.
John Brassil, Chair of Shannon Development Co. will speak on the subject of Industry and Employment, in the context of regional development.
Dr. Seamus Caulfield from County Mayo is a retired professor of Archaeology at University College Dublin and an active member of the Council for the West. Dr. Caulfield will use his lifelong passion for Balanced Regional Development and excellent insight into the economics of same during his address to conference delegates.
Fr. Nicholas Flavin is Chairman of the Kilkenny Community and Voluntary Forum and a member of the Executive of the National Community and Voluntary Forum. Fr. Flavin will be discussing the effects of an imbalance in regional development on Community and Voluntary groups and, therefore, communities and volunteers.
Tina Lowe is a blind graduate working with the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD). Ms. Lowe will be speaking about her work with National Forum of Graduates with Disabilities, a project that is concerned with employment issues for students and graduates with disabilities.
The 'Balancing Regional Development' Conference will be held today (October 22nd) and tomorrow (23rd) at the Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel. Disabled People of Clare (DPOC) will offer free transport to persons with disabilities from Limerick/Ennis Bus and Train Stations or Shannon Airport to the conference venue.
Further information on the Conference is available from 061-713605 or 086-38632634 or e-mail: ccforum@eircom.net
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Notes to Editor:
- Richard Cahill (086-3862634) is available for interview and further comment.
- Photo opportunities can be arranged on request. Please call Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- The Conference Table of Events and Speakers List/Times is available from http://www.dunphypr.com
- Directions to Bunratty: The Shannon Shamrock Hotel Clare is located 10 minutes from Shannon International Airport and 10 minutes from Limerick City. It is adjacent to Bunratty Castle and close to the main road networks. Website www.bunrattyshannonshamrockhotel.com.
- The Clare Community Forum is the recognised structure for the community and voluntary sector in County Clare whose twenty-five members of the Forum are drawn from Clare's five Electoral Areas. The countywide group consists of representatives from all interested community and voluntary groups in the county. The Clare Community Forum aims to help identify and agree county-wide issues and proposals and develop integrated responses to the particular needs of the community and voluntary sector in the county; develop an effective network to enable the community and voluntary sector to meet and articulate common concerns; develop proposals for the enhanced participation of the community and voluntary sector in various development initiatives; and contribute to the policy development of the Clare County Development Board through its' various structures.
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax) |
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