A Regional Development Summit is taking place Co Leitrim this morning, where the future of regional development will be discussed.
It follows a landmark report commissioned by the Western Development Commission which found critical challenges facing the western and north western region in the areas of infrastructure, housing and income.
The report found that average disposable income in the region is over €3,000 below the national average.
New house completions in the western region fell from 22% of the national total in 1999 to 11% last year despite the region representing 17% of the population.
The report also found underinvestment in road infrastructure remains a major barrier to regional growth.
The report says road transport remains the dominant mode in the western region, driven by its rural nature and high dependence on private cars.
All counties in the western region, except Donegal, have rail access, but services are predominantly focused on routes to Dublin.
However, issues with capacity, journey times, and scheduling persist, particularly on the Sligo-Dublin line.
The summit is getting underway at Lough Rynn Castle today.
The WDC is tasked with promoting sustainable social and economic development in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare.
