The government faces a political backlash from towns left out of the premier league of new growth centres to be identified today in its National Spatial Strategy. The blueprint will reveal the urban centres to be targeted for growth and development over the next two decades. Sligo, Dundalk, Letterkenny and the triangle of Athlone-Mullingar-Tullamore will become significant "gateway" towns under the strategy. They are also expected to be targeted for significant population increases. Development "hubs" are also proposed for Monaghan, Ballina/Castlebar, Tralee/Killarney, Ennis, Kilkenny, Mallow and Wexford, it is understood.

