Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
314. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the Government’s regional enterprise strategy will be rolled out in the midlands; its location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11349/15]
View answerMy Department has been working on the preparation of a Regional Enterprise Strategy for the Midlands following a consultation process with key stakeholders in the region towards the end of last year.
The Government subsequently announced details of a more ambitious Regional Action Plan for Jobs initiative in February, which will see Action Plans drawn up for eight regions at NUTS III level, supported by a package of up to €250 million in funding over the next five years. This funding includes €150 million for an IDA property investment programme in the regions, and up to €100 million which will be administered by Enterprise Ireland to support new and collaborative ideas to support job creation and enterprise growth at regional level.
Significant progress has been made in preparing an Action Plan for Jobs for the Midlands, based on previous consultations with stakeholders. However, further consultation is required with some stakeholders to ensure that the Midlands Action Plan fully reflects the Government’s ambition for the regions and that the Plan maximises the potential for collaboration across the region.
While no date has yet been set for the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs for the Midlands, the process of consultation is already resulting in increased collaboration and dialogue between stakeholders in the region from both the public and private sectors. I anticipate launching the midlands plan shortly.
