Snub towns backlash as new 'cities' get go-ahead

The Irish Independent

The government faces a political backlash from towns left out of the premier league of new growth centres to be identified today in its National Spatial Strategy. The blueprint will reveal the urban centres to be targeted for growth and development over the next two decades. Sligo, Dundalk, Letterkenny and the triangle of Athlone-Mullingar-Tullamore will become significant "gateway" towns under the strategy. They are also expected to be targeted for significant population increases. Development "hubs" are also proposed for Monaghan, Ballina/Castlebar, Tralee/Killarney, Ennis, Kilkenny, Mallow and Wexford, it is understood.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the original story which was a working link at the time of publication may be no longer available on the newspaper site. In that case, the dates and headline of the story will allow you to research the original through your local library. In addition, some newspaper sites may require registration, either at a cost or free.