Minister Canney welcomes NESC’s strong focus on regional development as Government continues to drive investment across the regions
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) report Building a Virtuous Demographic Cycle, noting in particular the Council’s clear recognition that regional development is central to Ireland’s demographic and economic future.
The NESC report identifies six levers needed to secure Ireland’s long-term demographic strength, with regional development highlighted as a key driver of sustainable population growth and community resilience.
Minister Canney said the Government is already advancing many of the measures needed to achieve this:
“I strongly welcome NESC’s focus on regional development. The Government is fully aligned with this direction, and we are already actively introducing measures to deliver the infrastructure, transport links and digital connectivity that underpin strong, thriving regions.”
He said the report reinforces the importance of the work already underway across Government:
“Regional development is not an aspiration-it is an active programme of work. Through major investment in transport, housing, broadband, education and regional enterprise, we are giving towns, villages, rural communities and regional cities the platform they need to grow. NESC’s report confirms that this approach is essential to Ireland’s long-term demographic stability.”
Minister Canney added that Government will continue to prioritise policies that keep opportunity and population balanced across the country:
“The message is clear: strong regions mean a strong Ireland. This report provides a welcome and evidence-based mandate for the Government’s ongoing work to support balanced growth and ensure every part of the country can prosper.”