I am satisfied with the financial package being promoted by the Industrial Development Authority to industrialists to locate in the west of Ireland.
In the west region, IDA Ireland created 1,428 new jobs in 1997, a growth of 9.5 per cent for the region from the 944 new jobs created in 1996. There were also nine projects announcements for the west region during 1997. The impact of these announcements will result in additional employment in the area during 1998 and in the years ahead.
IDA Ireland is extremely conscious of its responsibility to promote and bring new investors to regional locations. The companies supported by IDA are encouraged to look at many locations across the country during the process of their decision making.