2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
The major infrastructural projects needed to give the West a boost and how much they will cost
At a breakfast briefing in Dublin, a delegation from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) presented Government Ministers, TDs, Senators and Senior Government officials with the report.
The report, 'Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region' identifies the need for a minimum €9 billion in capital investment needed across the region's transport, energy, education, water, and climate infrastructure.
These are specifically for the projects that could be costed at the time, with other projects to be costed at a later date. These initiatives are designed to address significant infrastructure deficits, unlock economic potential, and advance climate resilience in Ireland's most underfunded region.
NWRA Economist, John Daly said: 'Despite Ireland being regarded as one of the wealthiest economies in the EU, the Northern and Western Region of Ireland's transport infrastructure ranked in the bottom 20 at 218th out of 234 regions according to the European Commission's Regional Competitiveness Index'.
The publication of the report coincides with the public consultation on the revised National Development Plan (NDP), which remains open until 26th June 2025. The NDP is the Government's long-term vision and investment strategy for national infrastructure and public services, a crucial component of Project Ireland 2040.
Speaking at the event, NWRA Director Conall McGettigan stated: 'The Northern and Western Region has consistently received below-average investment in national infrastructure.
'This report aligns with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032 and presents a clear roadmap—with several projects already costed—to bring the region in line with national policy goals. It supports compact growth, regional accessibility, and sustainable development'.
Among the key projects proposed are:
· The N17 Knock to Collooney road scheme (€600 million)
· The Carrick-on-Shannon bypass and N4 upgrade (up to €500 million)
· Donegal TEN-T Projects (€790m to €915m)
· Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor (€400–600 million)
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· The Galway City Ring Road (€500 million to €1 billion)
· Strategic grid enhancement projects by EirGrid (€1.3 billion)
· Investments at Ireland West Airport Knock
· New capital projects at the Atlantic Technological University (€50m - €150 million)
NWRA Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly added: 'The report highlights the severe regional imbalance in public capital investment. Between 2016 and 2024, the Northern and Western Region received just 5.7% of public tenders worth over €20 million, despite accounting for over 17% of Ireland's population'.
The NWRA developed the report following extensive consultation with all nine local authorities in the region, along with key infrastructure agencies including Transport Infrastructure Ireland, EirGrid, Uisce Éireann, and Atlantic Technological University.
The report will be transposed into a submission from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly on the review of the National Development Plan (NDP).
The submission to the NDP will aim to ensure the Northern and Western Region, through the provision of critical infrastructure, is fully empowered to meet Ireland's targets on housing, climate action, connectivity, and economic development.
The report on the Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region will be submitted as part of the NWRA's submission to the NDP consultation.
The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is one of three Regional Assemblies in the Republic of Ireland. It works with key stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development.
As a public body charged with formulating Regional Policy, the NWRA advocates for greater economic development in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland, which covers the counties of Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.
