A number of key "linkages" between Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway that would help those cities to rival the east coast as Ireland's most developed region have been put forward in a new report.
The linkages have been identified as part of the Atlantic Gateways project, which is exploring the potential for a west and south coast economic corridor, similar to the Dublin-Belfast one.
The project is being driven by Shannon Development and an alliance of high-tech companies along the western seaboard known as the Atlantic Corridor, as well as business and regional development interests in the south and west.
According to the report compiled by consultants Farrell Grant Sparks, the four cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford are relatively small by international standards and need to secure "critical mass" through co-operation.
The consultants identified four potential "flows" between the Atlantic Gateways that could help Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford with their future development.
r Knowledge and information flows between firms and other agencies in the Atlantic Gateways.
r Commercial flows. Firms may be able to source goods and services in their own or neighbouring cities rather than looking towards the capital. This would encourage "commercial flows" between the cities.
r Travel between the gateways for retail and recreational purposes can help stimulate demand for social and cultural infrastructure.
r Labour flows, where someone living in one gateway could readily think about commuting and working in another gateway, could be very important.
Indications were also given on how road, rail, bus, airport and seaport linkages between the Atlantic Gateways could be enhanced, and industrial and tourism policies, as well as business linkages, were identified as potentially significant. Good electronic media would be critical, and quality of life was also recognised as a key factor in the attractiveness of cities.
Shannon Development has particularly mentioned road and rail links around Shannon Airport that could be crucial to the airport's future, should stopover arrangements be ended.
Mr Liam McElligott, chairman of Shannon Development, said: "The issues need to be discussed and evaluated, demonstrating the future potential for collaboration."
The report was delivered as part of a series of seminars in the regions affected to encourage public and private co-operation.