Sligo – Part of a New Story
Strategic Economic Planning Partnership between AEC Chambers and Local Authorities
Three years ago, the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) was an aspiration. Today, it’s front and centre in ‘Project Ireland 2040’ and the Programme for Government. This achievement is due the vision of Chambers and enterprises in counties located along the Atlantic Coast.
Together they represent 73,500 people, in 2,250 Irish-owned and multinational firms in the north-west, west and mid-west whose vision is to realise the hidden, untapped, present opportunity to bring jobs and investment, develop a ‘city of scale effect’, in the AEC.
Sligo Chamber of Commerce have played a leading role in this achievement and ensuring Sligo and the regions outlined in Project Ireland 2040 will be delivered on.
The Atlantic Economic Corridor is now recognised by multiple Government Departments and Agencies through the Programme for Government, National Planning Framework and AEC Task Force established by Michael Ring, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development.
David Kiely Chair of AEC Industry Group states “the AEC represents an important Government supported initiative for Sligo and for the West of Ireland. The Enterprise Capacity study seeks to identify premises available for new enterprise and industry, the extent of repurposing which might be required and the marketing required to generate 1000 new jobs over a 10-year period.”
The work that our voluntary Chamber members within the AEC include:
- The development of a charter and strategy around making the AEC including Sligo the best location in the world for people to create their own future
- Briefing Ministers, TDs, Senators, Local Authorities and Agencies on what major regional supports are required to achieve much more sustainable development throughout Ireland
- Through research and presentation of facts, co-ordinated submissions to Government during the consultation phase prior to the announcement of Project Ireland 2040
In April our President Fiona Candon & Council members David Kiely, Fergal Burke, Felim McNeela and CEO Aidan Doyle attended a AEC Enterprise Workshop.
Sligo Chamber sees the AEC as another vehicle to continue our lobbying role in pushing for implementation of major infrastructural and enterprise development for Sligo.
Improved infrastructure will lead to more enterprise development and will attract new talent enabling a more vibrant community and region.