Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 59 together.

I know the area referred to by Deputy Cassells very well. I was privileged to be able to rear my children in County Meath. I sent them to school in Skryne and reared them in the Seneschalstown-Hayestown area. We used to use the Johnstown road regularly.

My priority as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is to drive creation of high-quality and sustainable employment across Ireland, including in County Meath. We are making significant progress towards achieving our regional development targets, which include an increase of between 30% and 40% in foreign direct investment in the mid-east region, which incorporates counties Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. There are 56 multinational companies based in this region, 17 of which are located in Meath and employ 1,496 staff. IDA Ireland is committed to increasing investment in County Meath by ensuring there is an adequate supply of modern property solutions and supporting the development of the county’s foreign direct investment base. The agency is encouraging its client base in the county to undertake further investment projects. IDA Ireland will continue to work with local authorities and other relevant agencies to support the development of further quality infrastructure in County Meath. The Deputy will appreciate that my focus and that of the IDA must remain on how best to attract investment and jobs to the county. The IDA Ireland property in Navan is potentially attractive to investors. The agency continues to promote the site to its clients. Nevertheless, I have brought the Deputy's request to the attention of the agency.

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