A survey has shown that by promoting the regional economies a country can recover from crisis.

Next month, the survey will be discussed by Christina Diegelmann, from the Assembly of European Regions (AER).

She is going to deliver a talk 'Dynamic Regions- Future Directions in Regional Development'.

Organised by the National Shannon Development Conference, the event will take place on the 6th November at Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick City.

A group of national and international expert speakers will take part in the conference.

This issue will interest key decision makers and policy influencers involved in regional development in Ireland and Europe as well as private sector and industry leaders concerned with public private initiatives in regional development.

It will be of particular to the beleaguered Irish construction sector, whose recovery from the economic gloom - when it comes - is widely expected to herald overall economic recovery.


Diegelmann, who is Senior Policy Coordinator Economy and Regional Development for the AER, will present the results of the survey which was carried out in 24 regions from 13 European countries.

This survey links the economy with regional performance, showing how regions are the key to overcome economic crisis.

A country's economy can be improved if regions have more influence at national level and more independence at the same time, referring to financial competences and resources, as well as more competences in recreation and culture, infrastructure, education and research, and health care.

"We need long-term solutions to the economic crisis, and national governments must work closely with regions to maximise economic growth potential," said Diegelmann.

Speaking in advance of the event, she said: "While national recovery plans mainly target large companies and the financial system, regions focus primarily on supporting entrepreneurship, SME's and innovation capacity.

"Regional actions can contribute to turning this crisis into an opportunity to strengthen regional economies and safeguard jobs," she explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive of Shannon Development, said that the conference is "a key opportunity to share and learn".

He added: "We have assembled some of the leading experts in the field of regional development to reflect its growing importance on the economic world stage."

The conference will be chaired by Broadcaster John Bowman, and addressed by Mary Coughlan, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment and Vincent Cunnane.

(CL/BMcC)