New EU Regional Aid Map should result in much needed jobs boost – Simon Harris

The fact that investment aid will now be provided to areas such as Arklow and Kerry should result in a jobs boost for these areas down the line according to Fine Gael MEP candidate for Ireland South, Simon Harris.

Simon made his comments following the publication by the Minster for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Minister Richard Bruton TD, of the new EU Regional Aid Map which outlines the areas in which the State can provide investment aid to boost employment under EU rules.

Areas accounting for over 50% of the Irish population are covered under the new Map – including new areas such as Arklow, Kerry, Kells and Athy – and this is a significant increase on the original EU Commission proposals under which only 25% of the population would have been covered.

This shows the potential benefits to Ireland in having strong, articulate voices at the centre of Europe, Simon added: ‘This once again highlights the benefits that can be achieved for Ireland in effective engagement with Europe. As Minister Bruton has shown, articulating a strong position while at the heart of Europe can result in significant boosts to the country’s drive to increase employment’.

“Areas such as Arklow and Kerry will now be able to access State investment aid and this will, undoubtedly, help in attracting the PayPals and Apples of the multinational world. I hope and expect that, down the line, employment will increase as a result.

“We cannot allow a two-speed economy to develop where some parts of Ireland thrive and other don’t. Regional development is of integral importance and today’s announcement will go some way to achieving balanced growth across the country.

“The new Regional Aid Map and Richard Bruton’s ‘win’ in getting it changed from the Commission’s original position shows just how much can be achieved on the jobs front by having strong, articulate Irish voices at the heart of Europe. I will be that voice should I be elected to the European Parliament.”

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