Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the regional enterprise strategy for the west, which includes Counties Roscommon, Leitrim and Galway, will be rolled out; if he has specific job creation targets for counties Roscommon, Leitrim and Galway as part of this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5328/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The 2015 Action Plan for Jobs which was published on 29th January includes a commitment to develop and publish a suite of Regional Enterprise Strategies to support enterprise growth and job creation in every region of the country. These Strategies will include a series of specific actions to be delivered by a range of public bodies and local stakeholders, building on the particular strengths and assets of each region. The areas to be covered by the Regional Enterprise Strategies correspond to the eight NUTS III level regions at which data is collected by the CSO. Under this classification, the West Region is comprised of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. Leitrim is included in the Border Region, along with Cavan, Donegal, Louth, Sligo and Monaghan.

The first two Regional Enterprise Strategies to be developed will cover the Midlands and the South East regions respectively. Following a consultation process in the Midlands, my officials are currently finalising the preparation of the Regional Enterprise Strategy for that region.

Consultation with stakeholders on the Strategy for the South-East region will commence over the coming weeks and work on developing the other Regional Enterprise Strategies will follow on a rolling basis. My objective is that six Regional Enterprise Strategies, including those for the Border and West regions, will be launched by July, with the two remaining Strategies in development. It is not intended that specific job creation targets will be set for each county in the Regional Enterprise Strategies, but, rather, that the Strategies will identify measures that can be taken to enable each region as a whole to realise its economic potential and create jobs, building on its existing competitive strengths.