Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate Deputy Lowry's remarks and reiterate the Government's commitment to working with the task force, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and other relevant agencies to ensure we can continue to attract employment and industry to the area. The aim is to address the issues that will emerge after the closure of the Lisheen site. It is an attractive site and I have learned more about it in recent days. The site has huge potential and the IDA recognises this - that is why the area has been marketed to potential US clients. There was a site visit in recent weeks and this is a significant development upon which I hope the IDA will build.

Ireland has had success in recent months in continuing to attract the sort of foreign direct investment, FDI, we seek. A day does not pass without a significant jobs announcement made by the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and me. The IDA has contributed in terms of FDI and Enterprise Ireland helps indigenous exporting businesses. We are in a positive place and I am passionate about the need for balanced regional development. It is very important that the economic revival we are experiencing is felt across the country and we must ensure there is significant investment in areas like Tipperary, my constituency and across the country. People must have access to the opportunities to which they are entitled. I assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to work with the IDA on this site as it is significant. It is important that we create opportunities for the people currently working in Lisheen.

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