Sir, - I write in relation to the article (The Irish Times, March 7th) on growth centres. I was surprised to find that the Institute of Technology, Sligo was not considered a "strength" in the north-west area. The institute has over 3,000 full-time students and has recently achieved the distinction, along with the institutes of technology in Cork, Waterford and Galway, of being able to confer its own certificates and diplomas. It is a very important "strength" to the north-west area and will be an essential component of future development in this region.
While it is true that there are infrastructural weaknesses in the north-west, as outlined in your article - namely, an inferior rail service to Sligo and the lack of a dual carriageway from Dublin to Sligo - these weaknesses are being addressed by myself and other public representatives. The Government has recently indicated that it is committed to improving both rail and road services. Also, the Minister of the Marine, Mr Frank Fahey TD, has indicated that Sligo and the north-west will be the beneficiaries of the Corrib Gas Field find.
In my opinion, Sligo is ideally placed to act as a driver of future growth for the whole northwest area while at the same time maintaining the superb quality of life which the people in the area enjoy: a clean environment, magnificent scenery, a vibrant cultural scene, and excellent third-level education facilities. Other strengths are Sligo Airport and the close proximity of the international airport at Knock and Sligo Port which, in addition to its commercial activity, has huge potential for development as a centre of water-based recreation.
It is essential that the National Spatial Strategy is implemented as quickly as possible so that the imbalance that exists between the east and west is abolished. Sligo is as a fulcrum for future development in the north-west and must be designated as a growth gateway. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Jimmy Devins, MCC, Chairman, Board of Governors, Institute of Technology, Sligo.