Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The mid-west is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Limerick has attracted a lot of FDI in recent times. More investment there is imminent. The Deputy has talked about the IDA. The IDA is well aware of the document the Deputy mentioned. I refer to the Patrick's Street development proposed for Limerick city centre. It is a fantastic initiative funded by the European Investment Bank and the local authorities. It is a great area to develop further investment in the region particularly in the tech sector. Much of the recent investment in Limerick has been in city centre locations but there is also Raheen Business Park and there will be more development there. There is a lot happening out there. The Deputy should be aware that FDI only forms one part of the investment in regional locations. Indigenous enterprise is also important and is responsible for most of the employment growth in the country outside of Dublin; 98% of enterprises are SMEs and comprise approximately 70% of the workforce. The LEOs are playing an important role. It is a combination of factors. I understand why the Deputy has raised the issue. Limerick is a beautiful city. It is a great city and a great place to invest. There is a university there and also LIT and Mary Immaculate College while Shannon Airport is nearby. There are also all of the tourist attractions. All of those factors make it an attractive place for its quality of life and for people to invest in.

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