The Northern & Western Regional Assembly last week formally adopted a draft of the first Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy which will help plot Galway’s development up to 2040. Over that period the population of Galway city & county is set to grow by over 50%. A projected growth of over 180,000 people is expected to bring the entire population of the Northern and Western Region to over one million people. Galway City, the medtech capital of Ireland, is seen as the primary driver of urban growth with increased pressure on Infrastructure, housing and other key services. Sligo, Athlone and Letterkenny are designated as regional growth centres. If adopted after a ten-week public consultation, the plan will provide a detailed roadmap within the National Planning Framework specific to the regions needs and strengths.