Madam, – We in the Regional Assemblies welcome the publication of the review Update and Outlook of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) and its appraisal of the challenges to be overcome to attain more balanced regional development in Ireland. However, I would like to draw your attention to an oversight in your Editorial (“Legacy of bad planning”, October 5th) concerning the absence of a fiscal stimulus in support of the designated growth centres, following the withdrawal of the proposed Gateway Innovation Fund.
The Regional Assemblies for the Border, Midland and West (BMW) and Southern and Eastern (SE) Regions launched a Gateway (and Hub) Fund in 2009, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. This has resulted in investment of more than €50 million in the nine designated “gateways” across Ireland and in the hub towns in the BMW region, which is currently underway. The projects supported include strategic and sustainable transport, cultural infrastructure and urban regeneration, prioritised by the local authorities in the NSS-designated growth centres.
These projects will, I believe, contribute to a better quality of life and sustainable economic progress in these centres, as intended under the National Spatial Strategy. – Is mise,