Waterford Chamber has submitted a detailed response to the Southern Regional Assembly’s consultation on the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2027–2040, calling for a decisive step change in investment and delivery for the South East region.
The submission identifies three priority areas essential to unlocking the region’s full economic potential: expanded higher education provision through SETU, significantly improved regional connectivity, and stronger cross-boundary governance for the Waterford metropolitan area.
Among the key recommendations are the development of teacher training and medical education programmes at SETU, accelerated road and rail connectivity improvements across the South East, and stronger governance structures to support coordinated planning and infrastructure delivery between Waterford and Kilkenny.
Waterford Chamber Chief Executive Gerald Hurley said the South East has enormous potential but continues to lag behind other regions in public capital investment and higher education provision.
“The South East has the enterprise base, the population growth and the ambition to drive national economic growth, but it requires investment that matches its designation as a regional growth centre. This strategy must deliver tangible commitments that improve connectivity, retain talent and support long-term regional competitiveness,” he said.
The Chamber said the new RSES represents an opportunity to move beyond long-standing policy commitments and deliver measurable progress for Waterford and the wider South East over the next decade.
Click here to view the submission.
