Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The present IDA Ireland strategy for south Tipperary is to concentrate future economic development in Clonmel by developing the town as a first-class location for overseas investment. This strategy has been agreed with the South Tipperary County Development Board. At a meeting of Carrick-on-Suir Town Council last year the agency's plans for south Tipperary and Waterford city were outlined to the council and the need for Carrick-on-Suir to find a way to link into the economic growth centres of Clonmel and Waterford underlined. This is a key issue. I have stated across the country that people must view their position in a regional context to determine how they can maximise investment in the region.

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