IBEC is calling for more investment in the North West region, with the need for improvements in road infrastructure, energy provision and broadband being highlighted.
It follows a special meeting of the business group’s North West Executive which was attended by a number of North West TDs, including Joe Mc Hugh.
IBEC North West Regional Director Terry MacNamara says the meeting with Minister Joe Mc Hugh and a number of TDs from Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim gave the business community an important platform from which to outline the needs of businesses in the region.
He says successful businesses are central to the region’s economic prospects and the creation of a truly dynamic, diverse economy. However, a thriving business community needs to a strong infrastructure network, and IBEC’s regional committee believes that investment in infrastructure is the key to unlocking the great potential of the North West region.
Mr Mc Namara says in terms of roads, the A5 upgrade, including the link to Letterkenny and remains crucial, as is the need for further improvements on the N4 Sligo to Dublin route.
He is also highlighting the lack of natural gas infrastructure, and the fact that 53% of business premises in the region do not have access to high speed broadband.
Simply put, he says SMEs without access to high speed broadband can’t compete on a level playing field………..
Pictured at the recent Ibec North West Regional Executive Committee meeting, Fergal O’Brien, Director of Policy, Ibec; Joe McHugh TD, Minister of State; Jim Kelly, Aurivo; Terry MacNamara, Ibec North West Regional Director; Ian Ireland,Ibec North West Regional President and CEO Donegal Investment Group Plc; Tony McLoughlin TD; Marc MacSharry TD; Helen Leahy, Ibec; Thomas Pringle TD; Martin Kenny TD and Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher TD.
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