Galway Chamber is to host a one-day conference focusing on Regional Development and the role played by the EU.

The conference, which is part of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, will be opened by Noel Treacy TD, former Minister for European Affairs, and will include panel discussions on regional access and infrastructure, regional economic development and competitiveness and sustaining rural development.

The conference promises to provide a lively debate around the development of the region and whether the EU has, will or should play an important role in ensuring the Border Midland and Western region continues to grow and develop.

Speakers will include: Séan Ó'Neachtain MEP; Marian Harkin MEP; Jim Higgins MEP; Gerry Finn BMW Regional Assembly; Dr John McDonagh, NUI, Galway; Gerry Kilcommins, Medtronic; John Concannon, JFC Manufacturing Co Ltd; Cllr Eugene Lavin, West Regional Authority; Sean Hannick, Council for the West; Gillian Buckley, Western Development Commission and; John Bennett, NASC Brussels Office.

Chairpersons for the individual sessions will include John Brennan, Regional Director IBEC West; Martina Maloney, Galway County Manager and; John Brennan, Financial Controller WESTBIC.

The conference will also include a closing address by Minister Eamon Ó C?iv TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Speaking ahead of the conference, which will be held Friday, 23 November in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Michael Coyle, Chief Executive Officer of Galway Chamber said, "Undoubtedly the EU has played a major role in the development of the Border, Midland and Western region, but the changing status of Ireland within the EU means the direct contribution by the EU into the regions will be affected.

"We need to examine what we need to do to make sure our region is competitive, accessible and supports sustainable rural development," he continued.

Séan Ó'Neachtain MEP added, "I am delighted to be participating in the upcoming Regional Development conference in Salthill. These events are hugely important in the promotion of rural development throughout the EU."

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment