Regional job creation drive labelled a ‘band aid’

A €250m push by the Government to aid job creation outside Dublin has been branded a “band-aid” measure by the opposition.

The five-year strategy includes €150m for an IDA property-investment programme to lure foreign direct investment into economically-depressed areas.

Fianna Fáil jobs spokesman Dara Calleary said it was no coincidence the Government had “belatedly woken-up” to the need for investment ahead of a looming general election.