Mid-West Socio-Economic Fact File To Be Launched

Feb. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- The MWRA says the Mid-West Regional Profile 2012 will form the basis for determining plans and policies for the future of the Region, and encourage international and indigenous investment into the Mid-West.

Friday’s conference - entitled “Economic Development in the Regions: The Way Forward” – will be launched by Planning and Housing Minister, Jan O’Sullivan, T.D.. Minister O’Sullivan will be joined by 150 industry officials and members of local authorities, public and private sector agencies, semi-state and civil society organisations and research institutions involved in the promotion of business and development in Ireland.  

Speakers scheduled to address the event include Jan O’Sullivan T.D., Minister of State for Housing & Planning; Cllr. Joe Leddin, MWRA Cathaoirleach, Dean Panter, Fáilte Ireland; John Whelan, CEO, Irish Exporters’ Association; Maria Ginnity, Enterprise Manager, Forfás; Pat Keating, CEO of Shannon-Foynes Port Company; and Mr. Edmond Gleeson, Mid-West Regional, Authority Designated Manager and Manager, Limerick County Council.

MWRA Director Liam Conneally said a key objective of the Mid-West Regional Profile is to give an inclusive and factual profile on key sectors in the Region.  

“The Profile offers a strategic planning framework for the Mid-West Region, and has been developed through a collaborative process involving the inputs of local authorities, third level institutions, public and private sector agencies, semi-state and civil society organisations and research institutions.”

He explained that the principle behind compiling the report primarily stems from a lack of combined up-to-date statistical data.

“The Profile builds upon the Central Statistics Office (CSO) publication of preliminary Census 2011 results released in June 2011, and consolidates all other relevant statistics to give a comprehensive overview of the Region”, Mr. Conneally added.

He continued: “It is hoped that this consolidated document will assist decision-makers, relevant stakeholders and policy makers in the Mid-West and provide an evidence base to support their decisions. We anticipate that this, in turn, will help to ensure the Mid-West Region is well positioned to benefit from and contribute to future economic improvements”.

Among the other main topics of discussion at this week’s Conference will be the future competitiveness of the Mid-West Region, the importance of international connectivity, the Irish export market, and the potential for the Irish tourism sector.

Cllr. Joe Leddin, MWRA Cathaoirleach said Friday’s conference will enable key policy makers and implementation bodies at a local, regional and national level to share their expertise on the issue of regional economic recovery and balanced regional economic development.

He added: “For 17 years this event has promoted the benefits of adopting a collaborative approach to regional development. The Mid West Regional Authority is committed to engaging with local, regional and national development agencies in ensuring that all regions, including the Mid-West, are well placed to respond to the serious challenges posed by the downturn in the global economy”.

Registration for the upcoming MWRA Conference takes place on the evening of Thursday, 16th February. The Conference will be officially opened on the morning of Friday, 17th February by Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan, T.D.  

Further details can be obtained from the Nenagh-based Mid-West Regional Authority on Tel: (067) 33197; Email: info@mwra.ie, or Web: www.mwra.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes To Editor:
-   Photograph and interview opportunities can be arranged on request. The Conference Programme also is available on request.  Please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on (mobile) 086-8534900 or (email) media@dunphypr.com.  
-   Directions to Falls Hotel Spa Resort from Galway – Take the N18 Going South.  At Kilcolgan, approximately 15kms from Galway turn right and follow signs to Ennistymon (Approximately 40kms).  Once in Ennistymon, take the first turn right.  Directions to Falls Hotel Spa Resort from Limerick/Shannon Airport – Take the M18 North to Ennis.  In Ennis, take the first exit off the main Limerick/Galway roundabout (N85), heading for Lahinch.  After approximately 20kms, you will arrive into Ennistymon; take the second left for the Falls Hotel.