Prof O’Donoghue is co-author of a study which measured the spatial impact of the current economic recovery, and showed how it has been “twin speed” since 2011. The northwest’s critical situation is exacerbated by political paralysis in the North, affecting cross-border bodies, and the looming shadow of Brexit, Prof O’Donoghue notes. He is therefore disappointed at reports that the Western Rail Corridor, listed in the last programme for government, will be dropped from the 2040 plan. State intervention to alter a “mindset” that has led to Ireland being one of the Europe’s most centralised countries is also critical, Prof O’Donoghue says. Prof O’Donoghue, formerly head of research with agriculture and food development authority Teagasc, cites as an positive example the approach taken by Simon Coveney during his time as minister for agriculture.

Source: The Irish Times February 15, 2018 19:07 UTC