Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The site visit statistics are symptomatic of the greater problem of regional imbalance. We accept there have been increases in employment across the country and a major increase in inward investment through companies supported by IDA Ireland. Given that 51% of site visits between 2012 and 2017 were in Dublin, which sends a worrying signal to the regions, and in light of the investment platforms for the coming years that have been outlined in the national planning framework, I suggest that the Government's approach to policy development is centred on Dublin. I am genuinely concerned that this will undermine the capacity of the regions to develop their own micro-economies. When this alarming situation is coupled with other Government policies - such as the lack of broadband roll-out, which is having an impact on small and medium-sized enterprises - it is clear that IDA Ireland's policy of having over 50% of site visits in Dublin, with the other visits being spread across the rest of the country, is not good enough.

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