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Diaspora want to invest
in Donegal/Derry
05.12.07
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POLITICIANS should
establish a formal mechanism to allow the Donegal
Diaspora to invest directly into the North West
region to stimulate economic growth. |
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That’s according to
Donegal North East TD Joe McHugh, who was speaking
after the successful London launch of the Derry
Donegal Diaspora project. The launch was held in the
Guildhall in the city, and took the form of a
networking event attended by key players from the
private and public sectors, including economic |
development agencies.
“There were people there with money to invest, and
who would like to invest in businesses here –
particularly when the property market and the stock
market are less attractive. Politicians must now
step in and tap into the potential which this
project has highlighted,” said Deputy McHugh.
Key players from Donegal who attended the London
Diaspora event included property developers Pat
Doherty and Cormac Byrne, Shaun Reddin of RedRay
consulting, and Donal Gallagher of Strange Music,
who is involved in the Rory Gallagher Festival in
Ballyshannon.
Business expert, Tim Brundle from the University of
Ulster also addressed the gathering.
“The region has several key advantages – its people,
businesses with a hunger for growth and supportive
government bodies,“ he said.
Mr Brundle called for better access to research
facilities and financial incentives for
collaborative research between industry and
academia.
Donegal-born Sir Roy McNulty, chairman of the Civil
Aviation Authority, and of Derry urban regeneration
company, ILEX, told the audience about the ambitious
plans and the vision ILEX has for Derry. He said
ILEX was also looking across the border at the wider
region, working with partners such as Donegal County
Council.
The Diaspora project is part of a wider economic
programme - Ireland North West - Making Business
Happen. Following on from its launches in Dublin and
London, there are now plans to extend the Diaspora
project to the US and centres like Dubai, South
American and Australia. |
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