Digital economy

A fully functioning nationwide digital economy would provide each of Ireland’s regions with the tools necessary to build on its strengths and contribute to a stronger national economy by building stronger regional economies.

That was the view of Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she spoke at the 34 th International Manufacturing Conference organised by IT Sligo and the Irish Manufacturing Council.

“The digital economy gives Ireland an opportunity to shake off the restrictions of regions, allows us to move centre stage to achieve the objective of balanced regional development which as a politician I have always advocated,” she said.

The EU was providing Ireland with substantial financial supports towards achieving tangible progress on improving its position in the digital economy, including €75 million in support for Ireland’s National Broadband Plan, she said.

“Under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the Border, Midlands and West Region alone, in conjunction with government funds 200 new researchers have been delivered, 144,000 previously unserved households have been provided with high speed broadband, 3,600 new jobs created in micro enterprises and 10,000 homes provided with improved energy efficiency,” she added.

The Independent MEP congratulated IT Sligo on its approval for the establishment of the Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Technology Gateway for the North West Region and said this was ‘ highly significant for the region.’