Galway Chamber Submission to the National Development Plan Review

Galway Chamber Calls for Equitable Regional Development with no trade-offs in National Development Plan Review

26 June 2025

Galway Chamber CEO Karen Ronan this morning spoke about how lack of timely investment in critical infrastructure is severely limiting Galway unlocking its competitive potential.

Speaking in relation to the Galway Chamber Submission to the National Development Plan Review, Ms Ronan commented that;

“Ireland’s GDP growth is estimated at 3.7% for 2025, however the State currently ranks at just 38^th in basic infrastructure availability.  Galway’s situation is even more stark with the recent European Commissions “Regional Competitive Index” report that ranks the West and North West in the bottom 20 EU regions for transport infrastructure. When you consider the success of Galway as a key enabler of inward investment, we can no longer accept this imbalance”

Galway Chamber are calling for:

• Equitable regional development with no trade-offs. 
• Regional reporting with functioning project tracking in place.
• Galway’s designation as a growth centre in the National Planning Framework to be backed by real investment.
• Emergency legislation to fast-track planning and expedite key projects as a matter of urgency.

“The review of the NDP must prioritise effective delivery, clear accountability and decisive action if we are to unlock Galway’s potential as a connected and competitive regional economic engine” she added.

Galway Chamber and Chambers Ireland stand united in advocating that core infrastructure leading with transport, water and energy are the defining infrastructural shortcomings of the past 10 years which have had a profound knock-on impact on housing.  Chambers Ireland has also today issued a call to action for delivering the State’s key infrastructure.

Speaking on the ongoing review of the National Development Plan, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive, Ian Talbot, commented: “This contrast between strong economic performance and poor infrastructure represents not just a statistical anomaly, but a significant constraint on our competitiveness. It is essential that we reverse this trend and plan robustly for the future as our population expands.”

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