Last December, with Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O Cuiv TD, I visited North West Mayo and met with community groups, business people and local representatives. The Forum, chaired by Mr. Joe Brosnan, aimed to facilitate dialogue on local issues relating to the Corrib Gas Project and also offered the opportunity to discuss the socio-economic development of the North West region.

Meetings have been taking place since we visited in December, and will continue (?). They provide a platform for discussion, and are very useful as we examine the various issues. I said at the Forum in Broadhaven Bay Hotel that the video footage would be made available. This can be viewed at www.youtube.com/MinisterEamonRyan

North West Mayo has the potential to become an Energy Hub here in Ireland. With grid development, the establishment of an ocean energy test site, and the development of wind (and other?) energy resources, the potential for local employment and development is significant.

Further detail at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2008/Inaugural+meeting+of+North+West+Forum+held+in+Belmullet.htm