Some 14,400 new jobs were created in the Mid East Region covering Kildare Wicklow and Meath over the last year, according to Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon.

Labour Force Survey data published by the CSO shows continued strong momentum in the labour market with robust jobs growth across the country, benefitting families and strengthening communities here in Kildare.

Deputy Heydon said: “These figures show that the number at work in the Mid East continues to expand, with 14,400 additional jobs created over the year to the fourth quarter of 2017, making it one of the largest growing regions in the Country.

“For last year as a whole, total employment growth was 2.9 per cent. This is evidence that the economy is performing well and generating jobs-rich growth which can be seen in the Mid East and indeed in here in Kildare.

“Over 100,000 jobs have been created since this Government was formed in 2016.  There are 66,800 more people at work since this time last year. Our enterprise-based economy is now creating over 1000 jobs a week.

“This growth is continuing with almost 30,000 jobs created in the last three months of 2017. It is also important to note that 4 out of every 5 jobs are now created outside of Dublin.”

Deputy Heydon continued: “Employment has increased and unemployment has decreased in every region of the country since the Fine-Gael led Government was formed.

“The buoyant jobs market means that good jobs are being created, with over 23,000 people having moved from part time jobs into full time jobs in the last 12 months.

“The Government is committed to ensuring these positive trends continue, by safeguarding the gains in competitiveness made in recent years. Recent policies such as progressive reductions in the labour tax burden are contributing to these positive trends.”