Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. The Western Development Commission is working very closely with the Department on the Atlantic economic corridor task force. We have given them increased funding there so they will be able to play a bigger role in co-ordinating all of the activities of the Atlantic economic corridor task force. They are working very well with us. They are creating this movement and brand that we need for the Atlantic economic corridor, which serves the ten counties from Donegal down to Kerry. The initiative is very important. They are entwined in all of the activities within the Atlantic economic corridor, are always present and provide a lot of research. Any funding we give them comes back to us multifold.

The Western Development Commission offers a lot of advice to businesses in the west of Ireland, particularly on Brexit. Many companies can get advice from the commission, which is well equipped to help them out. A local connection is very important as well.