#regional-development

#regional-development

Under the strategy, the Bank will significantly expand its investment activity, take on higher levels of portfolio risk and direct more support to scale-ups, regional clusters and science-based industries identified in the Government's Modern Industrial Strategy. It intends to increase annual deployment by two-thirds, unlocking a projected £26 billion of private capital alongside £13 billion of public funding, and enabling up to £10 billion in small business lending through guarantees.

Dublin has attracted 2,275 site visits in the past decade, while neighbouring Meath and Wicklow only saw 34 and 29 visits respectively, indicating a significant disparity in FDI attention.

Dublin received 2,275 site visits from the IDA in the past decade, while Meath and Wicklow only got 34 and 29, respectively, highlighting regional neglect.

Germany has witnessed a surge in startups with 1,500 new companies established in the first half of 2025, a 9% increase over the previous six months.

She said whilst in Rochdale, "Connectivity is an absolutely critical factor in unlocking the potential of towns and cities outside of London. one of the areas in which previous governments have promised most but delivered least, and that will now change."