Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy that public consultation has commenced on the south-west regional plan. There is an opportunity for all stakeholders and public representatives, including Members, to make submissions on what they would like to see achieved in that plan. The plan will be unique for the south-west area. As I have said, it will address the challenges faced in that area and exploit the opportunities.

IDA Ireland published a new strategy in January this year to bring the strategy up to 2024. A key part of that strategy, which I was pleased to see and highly vocal on, is that 50% of any new IDA Ireland investment in the coming years has to be in the regions. We want to see greater investment in the regions. A key theme across every Department is greater investment in the regions to support job creation. I look forward to engaging with the Youghal Chamber later today.

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