The Council for the West and the Western Development Commission have welcomed the Taoiseach's decision to promote the junior Minister and Galway West TD, Mr Frank Fahey.
Ms Marian Harkin, chairwoman of the council, said her board had sent a letter to Mr Ahern earlier this week asking him to consider elevating one of the Ministers of State in the Connacht region to a full ministry.
"While Mr Fahey's brief won't be dedicated solely to the west, his position in Marine and Natural Resources is very important, economically, for this region," Ms Harkin said.
Of four senior ministers in the Objective 1 region, not one had been from a Connacht county before, Ms Harkin said. "It is a fact of life that where senior ministers are appointed, funding seems to follow," she said.
Mr Fahey's promotion was one of several "positive indicators" in relation to the Government's attitude to the west, she said.
The Western Development Commission has also welcomed the appointment. Its chief executive, Mr Liam Scollan, told The Irish Times he was looking forward to working with Mr Fahey through the forum for western ministers attached to the WDC.
His brief was very significant for the region, given that some 51 per cent of all fish landings came through seven western counties, Mr Scollan said.
The aquaculture industry, which has 26 fish-farming companies employing more than 300 people in Mr Fahey's constituency, also welcomed the appointment. The industry is worth £26.5 million in Co Galway.
The village of Kilbeacenty, near Gort in south Galway, staged a welcome bonfire for Mr Frank Fahey, as Mr Fahey as he arrived home last night. The Minister is due to officiate at the arrival of two new vessels in the white fish fleet in the south-west today.
