Jobs Minister looks to boost employment beyond cities

The Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton has admitted that some regions "need to do better" when it comes to employment growth.

Richard Bruton was speaking at the launch of the Government's new Regional Action Plan for Jobs.

It will see €250m spent over five years - with €150m going to the IDA to develop infrastructure to attract companies to regions outside of the urban centres.

Minister Bruton said the plan will help regions which have lagged behind.

“We’re going to invest in those regions through IDA property solutions to act as a magnet to bring new opportunity," said Bruton.

“We’re also going to make sure that all of the institutions out in the regions and the enterprises can compete for funding”.