The IDA has promised to redouble its efforts to bring more jobs to the Republic's disadvantaged regions, but said it would be at least three years before its new policies really took effect. The agency's report for 1999 shows an overall increase in net employment of more than 8,500, but shows the Border, midlands and west regions are moving backwards, with net job losses of more than 1,200.
The IDA said the unevenness of job creation across the State was a cause of great concern, requiring radical action and speedy construction of roads, airports and other facilities.
"There are too many regions at a disadvantage from uncompetitive infrastructure and lack of business support services to be able to attract the required level of new and modern business investment," said Mr Sean Dorgan, the IDA's chief executive.
Mr Dorgan acknowledged that while the east and south regions had seen solid net job growth in IDA-backed firms, the "Objective 1" Border, midlands and west region recorded a net loss of 1,200 jobs.
The strong growth in the east region confirmed the need for a fundamental change in IDA policy, and there was "a real job of work" to be done to achieve more balanced job creation levels across the State, he added.
From now on, he said, there would be little or no grants available for companies wishing to open or expand in Dublin, with more resources concentrated on the areas that have not been doing as well.
