Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD, Peter Burke. Midlands region omitted from Government's new industrial site strategyA major Government announcement last week, of a plan to invest in the development of key sites across the country for the creation of large-scale manufacturing jobs, has bypassed the entire Midlands region. The development of the sites is being led by the Department of Enterprise and IDA Ireland in collaboration with various State agencies and utility providers and will require a “whole-of-Government approach” with that process already underway. “By preparing these sites in advance, we reduce risk and accelerate decision-making for investors thereby enhancing Ireland’s FDI Value Proposition” added the Minister. No mention is made in the press statement of any plans to develop a Next Generation Site by the Department of Enterise and IDA Ireland at any location in the Midlands region.

Source: Irish Independent April 11, 2026 12:23 UTC