Article

Challenges of balanced development of regions in the context of centralisation, the case of Ireland

Maryna Chulaievska*

chulaievska.m@gmail.com

Abstract

The relevance of this article topic lies in assessing the impact of centralization of governance powers on ensuring balanced regional development, which is crucial for shaping effective regional policy and reducing socioeconomic disparities. The aim of this research was to analyze the challenges of achieving balanced regional development in the context of centralization of authority, using Ireland as a case study. During the study, regulatory acts, official materials of government bodies, results of sociological research, and scientific publications were analyzed using historical, comparative, and predictive methods of inquiry with an interdisciplinary approach. Analysis of sources from different historical periods allowed elucidating the evolution of phenomena and concepts under investigation. The concepts of balanced development of regions, development of metropolises, and sectoral development of the economy are contrasted in the article. The negative effects of strong centralisation, as well as its advantages for the development of the country are unpacked. The impact of the European Union's policy on the socio-economic growth of Ireland, aimed at reducing the level of centralization of decision-making, building local self-government, and reducing regional disparities, is highlighted. Based on these researches the possible impact of centralisation in Ukraine on post-war recovery and development was analysed and conclusions about the advantages, disadvantages and possibilities of applying the Irish experience in Ukraine in the context of conflict and post-war reconstruction is made. The possible development of public administration and local self-government in Ukraine is projected, taking into account the experience of Ireland. The approaches to regional development, which assume that the country's socio-economic development can be better ensured by reducing regional disparities, and approaches to the development of agglomerations and metropolises as a basis for the prosperity of the national economy is analysed. The findings of the study can be valuable for substantiating further development of decentralisation and reducing the level of forced centralisation that has emerged due to martial law, as well as for defining a conceptual vision for the reconstruction of the territory and regions of Ukraine

 

Keywords

decentralisation; public administration; regional development; metropolises; the European Union; disparities; recovery

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Received 01.03.2024, Revised 16.05.2024, Accepted 18.06.2024

Retrieved from Volume 17, No. 1, 2024

Suggested citation

Chulaievska, M. (2024). Challenges of balanced development of regions in the context of centralisation, the case of Ireland. Democratic Governance, 17(1), 18-31. https://doi.org/10.23939/dg2024.18

https://doi.org/10.23939/dg2024.18

Pages 18-31

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