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Download Unlocking Potential, Driving Growth WDC Strategy Document – EN

Download Unlocking Potential, Driving Growth WDC Strategy Document – GA

Download the Strategy Summary Document – EN

Unlocking Potential, Driving Change sets out a bold and practical vision for the Western Region, one that recognises the strengths of our past while directly responding to the opportunities and challenges of the coming decade. It is a strategy grounded in reality, shaped by collaboration, and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes across enterprise, investment, and community development.

This is not a reinvention. It is the next phase in the evolution of the Western Development Commission. For over 25 years, the WDC has worked at the intersection of policy, people, and place, supporting high-potential sectors, enabling social and economic innovation, and investing in ideas and organisations with impact. With this new strategy, we are entering our most ambitious chapter.

Our vision is clear: to build a region that leads in sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth. To achieve that, we will act decisively, investing in companies and communities, supporting a new generation of regional entrepreneurs, and scaling solutions that can work across all rural Ireland.

The WDC will deliver this strategy through a unique blended model, combining long-term capital investment, EU partnership leadership, research and policy development, and on the ground regional engagement. With over €35 million to be reinvested through our evergreen Western Investment Fund and a target to secure €15 million in new EU funding, this is a strategy focused on measurable impact.

Our Strategic Framework: The Four Hs

The strategy identifies four interconnected growth drivers—our “Four Hs”:

Heritage, to protect and build on the region’s unique culture and natural capital;
Horizons, to grow globally competitive sectors such as MedTech, AgriTech, renewable energy, and the creative industries;
Harnessing Talent, to ensure inclusive access to the future of work through lifelong learning, AI readiness, and digital skills;
Hubs, to strengthen delivery and innovation through a growing network ofConnected Hubs, serving as platforms for enterprise, sustainability, education, and inclusion.

These growth drivers reflect the diversity of our region and they acknowledge that different places require different supports. The Northwest, continues to face structural challenges that must be addressed with place-based responses and sustained collaboration.

Download Unlocking Potential, Driving Growth WDC Strategy Document – EN

Download Unlocking Potential, Driving Growth WDC Strategy Document – GA

Download the Strategy Summary Document – EN