Welcome to the first edition of our new monthly e-zine.  LookWest.ie is an initiative of the Western Development Commission.  Through our LookWest.ie campaign, the WDC takes every opportunity to promote the Western region as a great place to live, work & do business.

If there are any topics that you would like to see addressed, or questions you may have about the region, please feel free to send your queries to us here at info@lookwest.ie

By Sea: Volvo Ocean Race Galway Stopover

Come meet the LookWest.ie team at the LookWest.ie/Western Development Commission stand at the Galway Stopover. LookWest.ie are proud sponsors of the Volvo Ocean Race. This festival is expected to attact up on 335,000 visitors to Galway during 23rd May and June 6th 2009. With a calandar full of music, arts, entertainment and fun this is an event you can't afford to miss out on. >>> Read more

- See the bottom of this e-zine for details of our fantastic Photo Competition

Back to top

By Air: Ireland West Airport Knock Welcomes Important New Routes and sees Continued Growth.

April of this year saw the return of Aer Lingus after a 10 year absence, with the new London Gatwick scheduled service. This follows 2 new routes in 2008 with the addition of a Glasgow service with Bmibaby and a Liverpool service with Ryanair.These new routes are of great benefit to business and tourism in the region. 2008 was Ireland West Airport Knock’s busiest year ever with traffic up 13%. Given the current economic situation 2009 is expected to be more challenging, but despite this Ireland West Airport Knock expects to grow passenger levels by a modest 1% - 3%. >>> Read more

Back to top

By Air: A First for Shannon Airport

From the summer of 2009, Shannon will be the first airport in Europe to offer full pre-clearance facilities to US bound passengers. Currently only US immigration clearance facilities are available. Read more >>>

Back to top

By Rail: Western Rail Corridor to Go Ahead

Western Rail Corridor to go ahead Minister Dempsey confirms. First phase to open and planning for Tuam and Claremorris to take place this year. >>> Read more

Back to top

By Road: 2009 National Roads Allocation

The 2009 National Roads Allocation has not been affected by the supplementary budget. The total allocation for 2009 is €1.44bn, compared with €1.68bn in 2008. Given the economic and budgetary situation, the relatively high allocation to national road investment clearly indicates an intention to maintain investment in road infrastructure.  >>> Read more

Back to top

Wanted: 10,000 Photos!

LookWest.ie in association with photo website Pix.ie has launched a photo competition to highlight the 'Creative West' as the Western Region rapidly becomes Ireland’s hub for the creative industries with over 11,000 jobs in the sector according to a recent WDC survey.

Simply upload your photos, taken during the Galway Volvo Ocean Race Festival that runs from 23rd May to the 6th of June, onto http://pix.ie/go/lookwest for the chance to win some fantastic prizes!  >>> Read more

Back to top

Galway Art Trail to highlight the ‘Creative West’

The Western Development Commission is proudly sponsoring the 'Creative West' - Galway Art Trail at the Volvo Ocean festival. View the participating gallerys here.

Back to top