Government unveils €250m regional jobs plan

The Government has unveiled a €250 million five-year strategy aimed at accelerating the jobs recovery in every part of the country.

The plan includes up to €150 million for an IDA property investment programme to attract foreign direct investment into different parts of Ireland. This programme will build on the recent investment by the IDA in facilities in Athlone and Waterford, and will include investments over the coming years in building advance manufacturing and office facilities in Sligo, Tralee, Castlebar, Galway, Dundalk, Limerick, Athlone, Carlow and Waterford.

Up to €100 million in Enterprise Ireland funding will be made available over 5 years through a series of competitive calls. The first tranche of €50million will be made available from 2015.

“While every part of the country has seen an increase in jobs since 2012, we can and must do more,” Taoiseach Enda Kenny said.

He said the Regional Action Plan for Jobs will maximise the individual strengths and assets of each region to support enterprise growth and job creation.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said 80,000 extra jobs have been created across the country over the last three years, with well over half of these jobs located outside Dublin.

“However many people have not yet felt the benefits, and some regions are experiencing faster jobs growth than others,” he said.

“Part of this of course is ensuring that IDA has property solutions in place to help attract more investment to every region,” he added.