The Northern and Western Regional Assembly made its budget submission earlier just as the EU Commission downgraded the area.
The region - which includes Cavan and Monaghan - is now classed as one that is 'lagging" and poorer when compared to the EU average. David Minton is the Director of Northern and Western Regional Assembly and he says it is regarded as being in transition; a moderate innovator; and one that lags behind when it comes to industry.
Mr Minton remains confident, however, that many of the difficulties being encountered can be overcome through appropriate intervention by the State. He also highlighted the highly skilled population as well as the healthy and safe environment that is the Northern and Western region,
Mr Minton warned that the time has come for those who live in the region to start looking at things through a wider lense - one that sees regional growth and investment instead of parish and small town innovation.
"We are very conscious that the next set of jobs is going to be in the Green arena. Tactically, the region has developed growth in that area and has a plan to deal with the high costs involved in the move towards decarbonisation. We also need to support our communities with the introduction of a low-carbon economy."
