TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

has been abandoned due to inefficient funds, and only the first leg of the Waterford to Dublin
motorway has been given the go ahead.
Continued investment in technology is driven by the need to be less dependent on resources
outside of the south East region. As a result, in the midst of all this chaos the renewable energy
sector thrives. Dependence on non-sustainable forms of energy is reduced as the south East taps
into its massive hydro-electric potential. The indigenous industrial sector gradually strengthens,
as the local economy attempts to capitalise on what it has rather than what it doesn’t have.
Marine tourism grows as the South-East’s 34 kms of coastline are developed.
The three main ports in the region join forces to support the fishing industry, as well as serve
the growing sea transport industry. The agriculture sector comes out of decline as farms begin
to produce locally required foods. An outbreak of Blue Tongue disease in the Midlands in 2018
sparked fear in farmers throughout the country who have come to heavily rely on the industry.
Despite the potential for disaster, the case was contained in the region of origin. But while this
may have been an isolated case, farmers are increasingly becoming helpless at the mercy of
nature. Changing weather patterns could leave Ireland prone to dangerous new livestock
diseases. On a positive note this has increased environmental awareness, of climate change
issues and carbon emissions.
By 2020, unemployment rates are high in the region, following the mass exodus of foreign
owned business. Waterford’s heavy reliance on multinational businesses up to the slump had a
detrimental effect on the city’s economy. By transferring this reliance to the tourism industry,
the local economy by 2025 is starting to show signs of recovery. Primarily based on the region’s
unspoiled, green image, the tourist industry booms - bringing with it substantial revenue to the
region. Dreams of transforming Waterford into a garden city are potentially becoming a reality
as the increasing costs of keeping cars on the road is forcing the city to look to more sustainable
modes of transport. By 2030 community spirit in Waterford has been ignited as people are
beginning to realise their capacity to engineer reform.
Key Events
• Oil Shock.
• Economic Downturn.
• Major Infrastructural Projects Shelved.
• Focus of Local Development – Agricultural Industry Comes out of Decline.
• Huge Developments in Renewable Energy Centre.
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