THE new Western Development Commission will implement the 20 year action plan drawn up by the Western Development Partnership Board last year, according to the commission's chairman.
"Obviously the commission, may take a slightly different view of some issues, but I think, in fairness, the action plan is the basis for the way forward," said Mr Sean Tighe.
The seven member commission was appointed by the Government just before Christmas and replaces the partnership board. The Minister of Stale for Rural Development, Mr Donal Carey, attended its first meeting yesterday in Knock, Co Mayo.
Mr Tighe said an investment fund will be set up by the commission which would hope to reach £100 million within five years. It would have four sources of funding £25 million from the Exchequer, which would be matched by similar funding from the European Union, the European Investment Bank and private investors.
It would then seek to secure a further £100 million in commercial funding, thus creating a total investment fund of £200 million, which would be used to help small and medium sized enterprises get off the ground. As the funds invested in one project are repaid the money will be reinvested in new projects.
The commission predicts that this will have a significant impact on development in the west. Community groups have long complained that the lack of seed capital is the single biggest obstacle to development.
The commission has not been set up on a statutory basis, despite a recommendation to that effect in the action plan. This "shouldn't make a difference", according to Mr Tighe.
"What we're about is developing the west and making decisions that will improve the quality of life and the economy of the area and try and redress the population imbalance."
He said the commission would work with agencies such as the IDA in seeking to attract investment to the region. "What is important is that the IDA makes the most of the advantages we have in the west."
The participation of local communities was equally important. "It is up to the people in the west as well to work with us and with the agencies to get a better deal. Without the people making an input themselves nobody is going to make too much progress."
Mr Tighe's remarks echo the themes set out in the action plan, which stresses community empowerment as a central plank of its strategy. It covers Connacht and Counties Donegal and Clare, and is the fruit of a five year consultative process.