DUBLIN, Ireland: The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is calling on the government to allocate a stimulus package of at least €570 million to jumpstart development in Ireland's northern and western regions.

This appeal comes in anticipation of Budget 2024, with the NWRA emphasizing the urgent need for economic revitalization in the area.

Comprising Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Cavan, and Monaghan, the NWRA represents these regions and is one of three Regional Assemblies responsible for strategically advancing regional development.

The NWRA argues that a multi-million-euro stimulus package is imperative to counter the escalating regional disparities and foster equitable development across Ireland.

To address these challenges in the long term, the NWRA is also advocating for a policy of "positive discrimination" in favor of the northern and western regions while implementing infrastructure projects under the National Development Plan.

This approach would help rectify historical underinvestment in the region, allocating increased capital expenditure to bring substantial infrastructure projects to the area.

Furthermore, the NWRA proposes the establishment of a Citizens Assembly to examine the feasibility of achieving higher levels of regional autonomy.