Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will ensure that County Monaghan is placed on the IDA agenda (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28342/17]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will ensure that County Cavan is placed on the IDA agenda (details supplied). [28343/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.

Regional development is a key goal of this Government and I am particularly aware of the need to create sustainable employment in border areas, including County Monaghan.

IDA Ireland is focused on increasing investment in Monaghan and is currently finalising a masterplan for its business park in the County. The Agency is also progressing, in partnership with Monaghan County Council, a proposed joint initiative for technology units in the business park to assist with marketing. I am hopeful that these steps, together with the broader work the IDA undertakes to promote FDI in the border areas, will help to increase levels of investment in Monaghan.

IDA markets Monaghan, together with Cavan, as part of its North East region. There are currently 12 IDA supported companies employing 1,340 people in this area. Enterprise Ireland supports approximately 303 companies in the same region, which collectively employ 10,389 people. Both Agencies remain determined to grow these numbers further and to create more employment in Cavan and Monaghan.