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December 2011

WDC Welcomes Proposed Transatlantic High End Fibre Connection to Western Region

Tuesday, 06 December 2011

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has welcomed the announcement by Emerald Networks and Pipiper Infrastructure of their intention to effectively upgrade commercial broadband capability in the west of Ireland to world class status. It says that that the project should make the region more attractive as a location ... Read on >>


November 2011

WDC welcomes new Ryanair routes to Western Region

Monday, 21 November 2011

The Western Development Commission (WDC) welcomes the announcement today that Ryanair will commence four new international flights from Ireland West Airport Knock.  The new schedules will start in April 2012 between Ireland West Airport Knock and Barcelona, Frankfurt, Milan and Paris resulting in a total of 14 Ryanair routes from ... Read on >>


November 2011

Making Access to Renewable Wood Energy a Reality for Homes and Businesses in the Western Region

Thursday, 17 November 2011

Earlier today, as part of the Western Development Commission (WDC) RASLRES Wood Energy Workshop in Tuam, with partners Teagasc and the County Clare Wood Energy Project launched their Wood Energy Guide “Using local timber to heat your home”.  This brochure is an ‘all you need to know guide’ for end ... Read on >>


October 2011

Conference to highlight intrinsic link between economic activity and cultural society

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

The 2011 Douglas Hyde Conference will explore the theme ‘The Economy v The People – Ireland’s Divided Mind’.  It is the last in a series of three Douglas Hyde Conferences to focus on the theme of the Creative Economy.  Presented by the Western Development Commission (WDC) in association with Roscommon ... Read on >>


September 2011

Extension to Natural Gas Infrastructure could make savings of €20.6 million in the North West

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Government investment in natural gas infrastructure could bring significant economic benefits to businesses and households in the Western Region.   By extending and upgrading the grid infrastructure in the North West, competitiveness for key industry sectors could be enhanced. Businesses are currently paying an estimated €16m more each year for ... Read on >>


July 2011

Arts Council says Farmleigh 2 should commit to supporting the creative and cultural industries

Thursday, 07 July 2011

The Arts Council has welcomed a report commissioned by the Western Development Commission (WDC) highlighting the potential for a doubling of the workforce employed in the creative sector over the next 10 years.Speaking at the Arts Council meeting in Limerick today (5 July 2011) Arts Council Chairman Ms Pat Moylan ... Read on >>


July 2011

Integrated Approach to Education, Enterprise and Employment Needed to Create Jobs and Growth in Western Region

Tuesday, 05 July 2011

The Western Region is facing significant education, enterprise and employment challenges.  A more integrated approach to these ‘3Es’ is crucial to reverse high unemployment and emigration, particularly among the region’s young people. Policies and actions which recognise how closely connected the ‘3Es’ are will help enterprises to grow and create ... Read on >>


July 2011

Growing what we have - A doubling of the workforce: the potential for the Creative Sector in the West of Ireland

Tuesday, 05 July 2011

Innovative research commissioned by the Western Development Commission (WDC) and carried out by researchers at NUI, Galway has highlighted the potential for a doubling of the workforce employed in the Creative Sector over the next 10 years. Additionally this could lead to up to €150 million in additional exports per ... Read on >>


June 2011

Energy Crop Report Launched At Donegal Wood Energy Workshop

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Earlier today at the RASRLES Wood Energy Workshop in Balybofey, Donegal, a new report “Energy Crop Opportunities in the Western Region” was launched by the Western Development Commission (WDC) as lead partner in the RASLRES project. The report was developed in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and ... Read on >>


June 2011

Service improvements on Galway-Limerick line Boosts Regional Development and Tourism

Sunday, 12 June 2011

WDC welcomes new service improvements on Galway-Limerick route  and strong passenger numbers.The Western Development Commission (WDC) welcomes the Iarnród Éireann announcement of new service improvements and promotional fares on the Galway-Limerick section of the Western Rail Corridor. The WDC also welcomes the passenger figures from Iarnród Éireann indicating that there ... Read on >>


May 2011

Wood Energy Workshop - Building Local Wood Heat Markets

Thursday, 19 May 2011

Wood Energy Workshop - Building Local Wood Heat Markets14 June 2011Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal13:30 – 18:30RASLRES is a European bio-energy project led by the Western Development Commission. RASLRES goes to the heart of the local community by using local resources and supporting local people to ... Read on >>


May 2011

Mayo.ie to connect millions of Mayo people worldwide

Thursday, 19 May 2011

 An Online Initiative to Promote County Mayo An online initiative by Mayo County Council with the Western Development Commission (WDC) will see millions of people in the global Mayo family get connected through an innovative and exciting online project, www.mayo.ie. The new website launched by An Taoiseach, ... Read on >>


May 2011

WDC welcomes Government commitment to provision of Broadband to all rural areas under new Rural Broadband Scheme

Sunday, 15 May 2011

Universal broadband access vital for rural enterprises to compete in knowledge economy and create jobs – WDCThe WDC welcomes the government commitment to universal broadband provision and the announcement of the Rural Broadband Scheme which promises to provide a broadband service to those who have not yet been able to ... Read on >>


March 2011

€1.6 Million Investment for Galway Medical Device Company AeroSurgical

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

AeroSurgical Ltd, an early stage medical device company that incorporates state of the art aerosol technology to form the basis of its proprietary AeroSurge Platform which efficiently delivers therapeutics into the abdominal cavity of patients during surgery to combat post-surgical complications such as pain and adhesions, has secured investment of ... Read on >>


March 2011

West of Ireland Partnership Engages Public Sector in Development of Renewable Heat Market

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

The public sector is well positioned to support the renewable energy market through policy frameworks, energy projects and public procurement of renewable energies. On the 8th March the Western Development Commission (WDC) under the EU RASLRES project and working in partnership with the Limerick Clare Energy Agency met with County ... Read on >>


March 2011

WDC calls for support for Regional Airports in Western Region

Monday, 14 March 2011

The Western Region needs better international air connections. Without them, the region’s companies and tourism industry are at a competitive disadvantage.  That’s according to the Western Development Commission’s (WDC) latest Policy Briefing ‘Air Access and the Western Region’.Deirdre Frost, Policy Analyst at the WDC says: “Instead of policies which funnel ... Read on >>


March 2011

Western Development Commission brings prestigious U.S./Ireland Legal Symposium to West of Ireland

Sunday, 06 March 2011

The Western Development Commission (WDC) was instrumental in bringing a prestigious new legal conference to Westport, Co. Mayo in early summer. The inaugural U.S./Ireland Legal Symposium dovetails neatly with Government plans for trade, tourism and investment and with the aims of the WDC’s LookWest project. This international Symposium will be ... Read on >>


December 2010

New WDC report highlights emigration of young females from the West

Monday, 13 December 2010

The Western Development Commission’s second WDC Policy Briefing How is the Western Region doing? Measuring regional development provides a statistical snapshot of the Western Region of Ireland.  The Briefing illustrates how the region is developing over time and how it compares with other parts of the country. ... Read on >>


December 2010

RASLRES is delighted to welcome you to our first edition of the RASLRES ezine

Sunday, 12 December 2010

The Western Development Commission as Project Lead for the EU bio-energy project RASLRES is delighted to welcome you to our first edition of the RASLRES ezine which we hope you will find informative. Read More ... Read on >>


November 2010

WDC Event outlines how Regional Development will drive economic growth

Monday, 22 November 2010

“Notwithstanding the current financial stresses, it is critical that the Four Year Plan and Budget 2011 are implemented to deliver the growth expected in the economy next year”, Dr. Alan Ahearne told the audience at a lunch-time discussion hosted by the Western Development Commission (WDC), today, 22nd November.   “The Four ... Read on >>


November 2010

Wood Energy – The Western Way for Renewable Fuel

Thursday, 18 November 2010

Participants in the RASLRES pilot projects met this week with experts in the wood energy field to discuss the way forward for the west in developing local and regional solutions for wood energy from renewable resources. This open industry workshop provided an opportunity to showcase the success to date of ... Read on >>


October 2010

Wood Energy Support Services Workshop

Thursday, 21 October 2010

16 November 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 10:00 – 14:30 RASLRES is a European bio-energy project led by the Western Development Commission. RASLRES goes to the heart of the local community by using local resources and local people to provide a complete solution for renewable energy in turn ... Read on >>


October 2010

Conference to highlight Creativity’s role in Education, Innovation, Economy and Society

Friday, 08 October 2010

The 2010 Douglas Hyde Conference will take place on 15th October in the Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.  Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport will officially open the Conference, which will highlight the role of Creativity in Education, Innovation, Economy, and Society.  Commenting in the run up ... Read on >>


October 2010

How important are the airports in the West?

Wednesday, 06 October 2010

Any attempts by our cash-strapped government to cut funding to the country's regional airports will do untold damage to rural Ireland.  Transport Minister Noel Dempsey will shortly bring proposals to the cabinet on the future of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding for the six regional airports and the designated ... Read on >>


October 2010

WDC advises Joint Oireachtas Committee how to unlock the economic potential of the Western Region

Tuesday, 05 October 2010

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Employment, Trade and Innovation that an integrated approach to economic development in the West is vital if the region is to reach its potential.  The presentation took place today, Tuesday October 5th.“The West needs infrastructural and human capital ... Read on >>


September 2010

RASLRES – Developing Renewable energy solutions for rural areas

Wednesday, 08 September 2010

RASLRES –Developing Renewable energy solutions for rural areas The search for sustainable, environmental, energy sources has been the subject of intensive study over the last decade. Provision of reasonably priced, secure, safe and clean energy is a fundamental driving force for economic growth and competitiveness, and maintenance of quality living ... Read on >>


September 2010

Douglas Hyde Conference to highlight Creativity’s role in Education, Innovation, Economy and Society

Tuesday, 07 September 2010

The 2010 Douglas Hyde Conference takes place on 15th October in the Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.  Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport will officially open the Conference, which will highlight the role of Creativity in Education, Innovation, Economy, and Society.  Presented by Roscommon County Council Arts ... Read on >>


July 2010

Regional Policy must be prioritised in an Economic Downturn

Monday, 19 July 2010

The resources of less developed regions are not being utilised fully.  But mobilising these resources and the unfulfilled potential in regions such as the Western Region, will add to overall national economic growth.  It is a waste of talent and opportunity if the full potential of all regions is not ... Read on >>


June 2010

Mayo Schools Presented with US$11,500 by Irish American Partnership

Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Mayo Schools Presented with US$11,500 by Irish American PartnershipFive County Mayo schools have shared US$11,500 in funding from the Irish American Partnership under its ‘Primary School Library and Science’ Programmes. The funding will be used to purchase books, reading materials and science materials. Of the five schools, three are in ... Read on >>


June 2010

FMC-Tech wins out over Bosnia and Herzegovina wind-turbine developers to scoop Best International Trade Award.

Monday, 21 June 2010

FMC-Tech, which is headquartered in Shannon, Co Clare, has developed an intelligent network monitoring system for the utilities network. Despite being up against strong competition in the form of the Bosnia and Herzegovina wind turbine developer Turbina IPD, FMC-Tech scooped the ‘Best International Trade Award’ at the Energy Innovation Awards, ... Read on >>


April 2010

European Bio Energy Project Launched Website - www.raslres.eu

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

European Bio Energy Project Launches Website - www.raslres.euRASLRES: Regional Approaches To Stimulating Local Renewable Energy SolutionsThe RASLRES team today launched its project website www.raslres.eu. The RASLRES initiative seeks to create a future where local renewable bio energy resources provide local jobs and a thriving regional energy network. RASLRES is a ... Read on >>


March 2010

RASLRES: Regional Approaches to Stimulating Local Renewable Energy Solutions

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

The Western Region of Ireland is poised to reap the benefit of an almost €3 million multi-national bio-energy project being led by the Western Development Commission. The RASLRES project is a European-funded initiative that aims to benefit the Western Region in a number of crucial areas related to renewable bio-mass, ... Read on >>


March 2010

New Galway-Limerick Rail Service Boosts Regional Development & Tourism

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Western Development Commission figures show strong demand for rail services to continue to Tuam and Claremorris.The Western Development Commission (WDC) has described this month’s new rail service connecting Galway and Limerick as an important step towards balanced regional development.  The new service, serving Limerick, Sixmilebridge, Ennis, Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell, Athenry ... Read on >>


March 2010

WDC Welcomes Report of the Innovation Taskforce

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

 WDC Welcomes Report of the Innovation Taskforce and calls for Innovation to Build on Regional Strengths The Western Development Commission (WDC) has welcomed the publication of Innovation Ireland: Report of the Innovation Taskforce, the report of the Government Taskforce on positioning Ireland as an International Innovation Development Hub.  It presents ... Read on >>


March 2010

Volvo Ocean Race Finish Should Reinvigorate Western Region’s Marine Leisure Potential - WDC

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

The Western Development Commission is delighted with today’s announcement of the Volvo Ocean Race finishing in Galway in 2012 and sees it as an ideal opportunity to reinvigorate the potential of marine leisure activities in the Western Region.Welcoming the announcement, Lisa McAllister, CEO of the WDC said: “We are absolutely ... Read on >>


March 2010

Volvo Ocean Race Galway 2011

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

 Volvo Ocean Race Finish Should Reinvigorate Western Region’s Marine Leisure Potential The Western Development Commission is delighted with today’s announcement of the Volvo Ocean Race finishing in Galway in 2012 and sees it as an ideal opportunity to reinvigorate the potential of marine leisure activities in the Western Region.Welcoming the announcement, ... Read on >>


January 2010

National Economic Strategies Must Address Employment Challenges of Areas Beyond Large Cities - WDC

Thursday, 21 January 2010

National Economic Strategies Must Address Employment Challenges of Areas Beyond Large Cities - WDCConcerted action will be required if the Western Region, particularly the more rural northern part, is to participate in the move towards a ‘smart economy’.  If this does not happen, the regional development gains of the past ... Read on >>


November 2009

WDC and NUI Galway Innovation Experts Call for National Strategy to Develop Creative Sector

Monday, 30 November 2009

The Western Development Commission (WDC) and the Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) at NUI Galway have called for the development of an integrated national strategy to develop the creative sector and drive the future of the smart economy.The call was made at a seminar entitled ‘Creative Industries, Innovation ... Read on >>


October 2009

Ireland's First "Pay as you go" Conference

Wednesday, 14 October 2009

 Former President, Douglas Hyde, puts ‘Creative Economy’ in the frame.“One of the most striking things to come out of the recent Farmleigh conference, which attracted Irish leaders from all walks of life and from all over the world, may have been the emphasis  placed on Irish creativity and its role ... Read on >>


October 2009

WDC gets €1 million to Develop Wood Energy Sector in Western Region

Thursday, 01 October 2009

 WDC gets €1 million to Develop Wood Energy Sector in Western Region; Western Region’s wood resources present new enterprise and job opportunities.The Western Development Commission (WDC) has secured European Union (EU) funding of €1 million to develop the wood energy sector in the Western Region.  The funding, part of a ... Read on >>


September 2009

New WDC Report Highlights Important Transport Demand Patterns

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

New WDC Report Highlights Important Transport Demand Patterns in Galway City and County. Over a quarter of all workers in Western Region, from Donegal to Clare, live in Galway city labour catchment. Workers who live in the Galway city labour catchment have a higher level of education than the national ... Read on >>


September 2009

New Mayo Dublin rail freight route is a vote of confidence in rail and in businesses in the West.

Wednesday, 02 September 2009

New Mayo Dublin rail freight route is a vote of confidence in rail and in businesses in the West: New service will remove 2,000 freight trucks off the road. The Chief Executive of the Western Development Commission (WDC), Lisa McAllister has said that the new rail freight service from Ballina ... Read on >>


February 2009

Potential for 2,000 new jobs in Creative West.

Tuesday, 17 February 2009

11,000 already employed in Western Region’s creative economy, “It makes economic sense to support creativity”When international comparisons are factored in the Western Region has the potential to create at least an extra 2,000 jobs in the creative sector according to Gillian Buckley, Chief Executive of the Western Development Commission.  Ms. ... Read on >>


February 2009

Creative Economy has considerable potential for the Western Region – WDC.

Monday, 09 February 2009

Creative enterprises such as digital media, film, art, design and the Irish language have significant potential for future economic development in the Western Region.  That’s according to the Western Development Commission (WDC) who are devising a strategy for the region’s creative economy in conjunction with regional businesses and a high ... Read on >>


February 2009

WDC tells Oireachtas Committee how West can contribute to national growth.

Monday, 09 February 2009

The Western Development Commission (WDC) outlined its future vision for the Western Region to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on Wednesday November 19th.  The WDC highlighted the success of the LookWest.ie campaign which has enabled over 100 businesses and 4,000 individuals to ... Read on >>


February 2009

Enterprise opportunities in the wood energy sector.

Monday, 09 February 2009

WDC invites entrepreneurs and community development organisations to workshop.The Western Development Commission (WDC) will host a wood energy workshop for entrepreneurs, business people and organisations working in community and local development on December 3rd in the Claregalway Hotel.The workshop will discuss wood energy enterprise opportunities and the main factors affecting ... Read on >>


February 2009

WDC says National Broadband Scheme will help facilitate economic development in the rural Western Region

Monday, 09 February 2009

Switchover to digital TV will provide further opportunities.The Western Development Commission (WDC) has welcomed the Government’s National Broadband Scheme which will see broadband in all parts of the Western Region by September 2010.“Broadband brings considerable benefits to rural businesses and communities so this is a positive announcement.  People living in ... Read on >>


February 2009

22nd December 2008 Western Development Commission 2008 End of year statement.

Monday, 09 February 2009

Western Region should be positioned as an International Energy Centre serving the energy needs of entire island of Ireland.Western Region should be positioned as an International Energy Centre serving the energy needs of entire island of IrelandContinued investment in infrastructure vital to support employment and enterpriseBalanced Regional Development will contribute ... Read on >>


July 2008

2008 LookWest.ie Expo

Tuesday, 29 July 2008

This event could change your life. The West has more to offer you might think!Come and talk to us at the LookWest.ie Expo on Thursday 18th September, 2008 at The Alexander Hotel, Dublin, 12 - 9pm. For further details about this event contact us at lookwest@wdc.ie ... Read on >>


May 2008

WDC Invests €1 million in Kiltimagh

Monday, 26 May 2008

Please click here to download this Press Release (in Microsoft Word format) ... Read on >>


May 2008

New Figures Smash Old Myths

Monday, 26 May 2008

Western Region is attracting the young and entrepreneursAnyone who thinks of the Western Region as being behind and not a thriving economy needs areality check as this outdated view is completely at variance with research undertaken by theWestern Development Commission (WDC), according to its Chief Executive, Gillian Buckley. Commenting on ... Read on >>