Bold solutions are needed for Galway says Chamber boss

Galway Chamber has welcomed details of the Government’s Regional Action Plan for jobs – but said it falls well short of what is actually needed.

Nonetheless Chamber President Frank Greene said that, while €250m spread over eight regions over five years is far short of what is required to address the regional imbalance and disparity of income and wealth, it nevertheless is a welcome start.

“It also presents an opportunity for all the business organisations to be bold and imaginative in coming up with radical and well costed solutions,” he added.

Galway Chamber’s own 2015-2020 Economic Development Plan includes a proposal for a Conference Centre for Galway; a Food Hub and covered Food Market for Galway City; an IT Innovation Centre located in the inner city, as well as the rejuvenation of both the inner city and Salthill.

The Chamber has also proposed an IDA advance factory building programme; the advancement of the port development; investment in tourist attractions in Galway City and surrounding areas – and investment in educational tourism

Sharing a platform with President Frank Greene on Newstalk last Saturday, Minister for Rural Affairs, Ann Phelan, referred to Galway Chamber’s plan and she congratulated the body for being ‘ahead of the curve’ and on their collaboration with the Local and Regional Authorities, Enterprise Ireland, IDA and LEO.

During the discussion Frank Green said that creating a unique Regional Enterprise Strategy for each region taking into account its own specific issues is vital for the success of the programme.

“It is also fundamental that the Government does everything in its power to communicate and promote the various funds and supports introduced to businesses.

“We urge the Government to work closely with the local Chambers in each region who are uniquely placed to understand the problems facing business that act as barriers to job creation,” he said.