Key speakers at economic conference
exciting mix of speakers from local government, all Ireland institutions and political parties are meeting in Sligo next week to participate in a Cross-Border Economic Conference.
InterTrade Ireland chief executive Liam Nellis, the Chairperson of the Northern Assembly Enterprise Trade and Investment Council, Pat Doherty and the President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce Jim Lawlor are among the guest speakers at the conference which is to take place in Sligo's City Hall,
Amongst those due to attend the conference are the Mayors and Chairpersons of Derry, Strabane, Omagh and Fermanagh District Councils as well as the Chairpersons of Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils.
Sean MacManus, the Mayor of Sligo, described the upcoming conference as ``an opportunity to explore and develop ideas and strategies which will focus on and address the needs of the region''.
MacManus said: ``This conference will discuss a broad range of economic, social and political issues which play a fundamental part in the life of the region. The marginalisation and exclusion which have been the dominant features of the North West landscape demands a response which will satisfy communities from Sligo to Tyrone, from Leitrim to Fermanagh, from Derry to Donegal and on over to Cavan and Monaghan.
ÔSuch a response must be based on the implementation of radical policies that reflect the All-Ireland nature of the problems which exist and the specific measures that need to be taken to rectify the economic imbalances that have seen the North-West given second-class treatment in investment, infrastructure and jobs.
``This conference is designed to create such a strategy, one which will create and develop an efficient and effective infrastructure, including a proper road and rail network, telecommunications and education services for the region.''
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