Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that attracting foreign direct investment to the regions is very much a priority in the work IDA Ireland is doing, which includes having suitable properties available. IDA Ireland is progressing a property plan for next year that takes in many parts of the country. This issue is also a priority in my discussions with companies. I and all the representatives discuss opportunities in regional areas and the advantages available in different parts of the country, including the Border region and counties Cavan and Monaghan. Ensuring balanced regional development is a priority and goal the Government will support in the national planning framework and capital investment programme. Companies' decision making is impacted by many criteria, including the skills available, employment, access and so forth. We will continue to focus on ensuring IDA Ireland will make sure, where possible, that companies locate in the regions. This issue forms part of all of the agency's discussions with firms.

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