EirGrid and regional investment
The Leader rejects criticism of the EirGrid expert group and agrees that IDA Ireland should encourage regional investment, while noting that companies choose their own locations.
Senator Marc MacSharry raised the question of EirGrid and the expert group being formed. I certainly do not agree with his comments that it is a fruitless exercise. I would prefer to wait for the report before I make any such statement.
In regard to IDA Ireland and investment in the regions, I agree totally with the Senator, but we cannot dictate to industrialists coming to this country where they should go. It is a decision between Ireland and very many other countries where industries eventually locate. I certainly agree that there should be more emphasis put by IDA Ireland on the regions and think it is doing this. We can see that there has been an increased number of visits by IDA Ireland, but it is not bringing the desired results.
