The north and west of the country has been downgraded to a ‘lagging region’ by the European Commission.
The area, which includes the counties Donegal, Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Monaghan, and Mayo, has been downgraded as it has been noted as being significantly poorer relative to the European average over recent years.
The commission says the region faced a range of challenges, including lower productivity and educational attainment, as well as having a weaker skills base.
Midlands North West MEP Colm Markey says the issues highlighted need to be addressed.
However, he believes the establishment of the Atlantic Technological University will make a huge difference in tackling the findings:
