New CSO data shows regional inequality continues to worsen, again highlighting the need for urgent action to boost the Northern and Western Region.
Among the most stark indications of the gap is in relation to disposable income with the estimated gap between the Northern and Western Region and the national average having increased to €3,237 per person in 2020 — that’s three times higher than 10 years previously.
The Northern and Western Region covers eight counties, including Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Cavan.
David Minton, director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, says the region has been caught in, what he called, ‘a development trap’ because of years of under-investment.
He says a policy of positive discrimination is now needed to achieve balanced development.
