Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 518: To ask the Minister for Finance if funding will be allocated under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 for infrastructural developments in the west of Ireland to enable the region to expand to the degree as envisaged under the national spatial strategy and other relevant development plans and policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1026/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 561: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that the NDP 2007 to 2013 investment envelope will lead to a better balance in economic development over the regions; if he will give a commitment that the Border Midland Western region in particular will receive priority for funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2087/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 561 together.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out in Chapter 3 a strong framework for the promotion of regional development with a particular focus on investment in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) Gateway centres.

These Gateway centres include 5 — Dundalk, Letterkenny/Derry, Midlands, Galway and Sligo — which are in the Border, Midlands and West Regional Authority areas. The NDP also emphasises the need to invest in other areas in the Gateway centres including key towns, villages and rural areas.

The Plan sets out an indicative allocation of some €184 billion for investment in specified sectoral areas over the period. It is not possible at this juncture to state precisely how much of this will be allocated to the 5 Gateway areas referred to above. However, Chapter 3 does detail the development challenges facing each Gateway area and sets out a number of key Programmes and Projects to be developed in response over the period of the Plan.

In addition, the Plan provides for the establishment of a Gateways Innovation Fund of some €300 million of Exchequer funding for the period 2008-2010. The purpose of this fund is to leverage matching private and other public funding for projects that give added value to Gateway development. The Fund will of course be accessible to Gateway areas in the Border, Midlands and West Regional Authority areas.

In summary, I am confident that the overall level of investment in the Plan, combined with key Programmes and Projects referred to, can bring about the further economic development of the Gateway centres, including those in the Border, Midlands and West Region.