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

I thank Deputy Harty for those questions. I was taking questions earlier in regard to jobs growth and one of the key points, of course, is that the majority of the jobs that are now being created are in regional areas. The mid-west is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. We had the jobs announcement which I attended in Limerick a couple of weeks ago, where Regeneron announced 300 very welcome jobs, and another announcement attended by the Minister of State, Deputy Breen, in County Clare, where there were a further 50 jobs. There is very strong growth, although we can cannot be complacent and we have to make sure it continues. That is why I published my Department's Brexit plan.

The national planning framework is at a draft stage. The consultation just finished last week and there have been a good number of submissions in regard to it. It is, of course, a national planning framework for the long term and it sets out a new, long-term strategic planning and investment context for Ireland over the next 20 years. It is about a high level national vision for Ireland 2040 and will provide the framework and principles to manage future population and economic growth over the next 20 years, so it is extremely important.

On the Deputy's question, there will be regional plans, and it is important the Deputy is aware of this. Of course, the plan is still at draft stage. Some 1,000 submissions have been received and are currently being considered by the Department of the Minister, Deputy Murphy. Those submissions are informing the final national planning framework document and every submission is, of course, important. I believe the framework will be very valuable for co-ordinating across Government different policies and investment on national and regional development. It will be published in association with the capital investment plan. That is the first time the two have been published together and I believe that will be important as well.

The Deputy asked about his own area. Within the context of growing Limerick's population by 50% to 60% and expanding its national and international economic capacity, there is specific reference to the role of Shannon Airport. Shannon Development and the Shannon-Foynes Port Company will, it is hoped, build on recent successes and add to the overall vision for counties Limerick and Clare. There is a way to go yet in terms of taking account of the needs of different parts of the country. The plan is still at draft stage and I have no doubt the Deputy will make the views from County Clare known in terms of the finalisation of the report.

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