Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Most of the companies seeking to locate in this country carry out their own assessments first. That is why sometimes people may be talking down regions, which is not a good idea because that negativity can influence companies' decisions. IDA Ireland is committed to the regions. It has informed me that it is doing everything it can to increase investment across the regions. The Deputy can rest assured that I will ensure the regions receive the attention and particularly those which have lagged behind. The Border region is one that has lagged behind as have parts of the midlands. The south east and the south west have done particularly well, which is partly down to the collaborative way the people in those areas have presented the benefits of doing business. There are also many clusters there. Where there is business, it brings business. We need to work more collaboratively in the areas that have not got investment. I will certainly be focusing on them.

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