The strategy includes a pioneering and comprehensive analysis on how Ireland has developed in the past 20 years. It is based on research and public consultation while processing and preparing the national spatial strategy. International evidence shows that to achieve balanced development, strategic places must have the appropriate population size and mix of development which will trigger the critical mass to drive development. I come from one of the more peripheral parts of Europe. While we would all like to have a gateway in our town or village we must be realistic. I will be parochial for a moment – and that is not new for a politician. Living on the Atlantic will be of benefit in regard to the greater Derry-Letterkenny area. There is no plan to suck everyone inside the circle, whether to Letterkenny, Sligo, Dundalk, the triangle in the midlands or any of the other cities included in the national spatial strategy. All towns and villages will benefit as a result of the strategy.