TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

Also, tourism and heritage is a very strong indigenous sector of the economy in this region.
Galway is the gateway to the surrounding natural environment of Connemara, The Gaeltacht
and Galway Bay.
Tourism earnings in this region
are extremely high and
environmental destruction
would have an extremely
detrimental affect on this
economy. Legislation has been
put in place in order to protect
the surrounding hinterland of
natural beauty. Severe penalties
are imposed on anyone who
seeks to damage or pollute the
environment in this region.
IH: Was it just economic implications that kept environmental awareness alive?
SA: No not at all. In 2025, a very influential institution, the Irish Ecosystem Agency, was
established to promote and enforce policy measures to ensure the development of the
sustainable imperative. It was based in Galway for many reasons. Firstly, because of Galway’s
strong position on sustainable development, and secondly, most of the sustainable activity and
protected environmental and heritage sites are based in the West. This is due to the lack of
interest the East, in terms of sustainability. In their eyes, profit and planet do not mix well.
IH: Do you think collaborative leadership plays a role in improving the city of Galway?
SA: Oh, yes I do. It is clear that Galway is not on the same path as the Eastern corridor. It should
take this opportunity to establish a task force whose leadership can ensure that Galway take
advantage of its unique position which is founded on a desire for sustainable development. Bad
planning and leadership has brought Galway to this point. It is time now, for the Western Guild
for Sustainable Development to take hold of the reigns and to harness a strategic vision for
Galway. Strong focus should be on collective, collaborative and consensual actions to build
community, safety, prosperity and physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental well
being.
IH: Simon Appleby, thank you very much.
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