Enterprise Ireland will commit more than 30 per cent of its financial support in the next three years to projects in the Border, midlands and western region.
Its new regional development strategy was launched in Sligo yesterday by the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney.
Enterprise Ireland has set itself targets within that time, i.e. the establishment of 50 new high-potential, start-up companies; 30 expansions of Dublin-based companies into the regions; the assistance of 150 companies outside Dublin to become exporters for the first time; and 360 major investment commitments outside Dublin.
Ms Harney said what was needed was a "radical shift in the balance of future development between greater Dublin and the regions". A key feature of Enterprise Ireland's strategy was that it was based on creating and sustaining jobs in the region, and not primarily on the relocation of companies.
She also rejected claims that the north-west had not experienced its fair share of job creation. "It's been difficult for infrastructure reasons to get companies to come to the northwest in particular. That's why the infrastructural proposals contained in the National Development Plan are highly significant."
However, she insisted job development within the BMW region was happening. "It's going to take time, it won't happen overnight, and we've got to do more at Government, agency and community level."
The chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, Mr Dan Flinter, said the link between the export growth of Irish companies and sustainable regional economic development was the key driver of its strategy.
He mentioned a policy of supporting existing companies, an increase in the number of high-potential start-ups, an upgrading of infrastructure, and an expansion of Dublin-based companies as key objectives.