RTE's Colm to speak at rural regeneration conference

RTE sports analyst Colm O'Rourke is among a high-profile list of speakers at an upcoming conference to showcase the opportunities along the Suck Valley Way region in Roscommon.

The inaugural event is entitled 'Rural regeneration post pandemic: the challenges and opportunities to unlocking our potential', and takes place in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on April 27th and 28th next.

It will see experts in the areas of industry, enterprise and business, manufacturing and production, tourism, recreation & sport explore the opportunities present throughout the region.

The two-day showcase, organised by the Suck Valley Way Development Co-Op with the support of Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon County Council and AILG, is a first of its kind. It is hoped that it will shine the spotlight on Roscommon, surrounding counties, and give a voice to the endless possibilities available in rural areas.

Cllr Anthony Waldron, the driving force behind the event, believes an event of this nature is of great importance for the region.

“I am grateful for the positive response the conference has received from both contributors and attendees from across Roscommon, and the country. This event will raise some very important questions and help develop a roadmap to unlocking our potential”.

The agenda will include topics including the regeneration in the west of Ireland, unlocking our tourism potential, Come West along the road – employment and enterprise opportunities and the building blocks of rural sustainability.

Speakers to include RTE sports broadcaster and columnist Colm O’Rourke, Paddy Mathews from Failte Ireland/Irelands Hidden Heartlands, Jarleth O’Dwyer from Clare Eco-Tourism, Pyres O’Connor Nash from Clonalis House, near Castlerea, Athlone IT's Michael Tobin and Joe Fenwick (NUIG).

Representatives of Harmac Medical Products, and Athlone Laboratories Ltd will also speak at the high profile event.

A full list of speakers will be announced in the coming days as the conference nears.