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Industrial Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2023

Thursday, 12 October 2023

Questions (62)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

62. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the action being taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to support new businesses and jobs in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44291/23]

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Written answers

Performance has been strong in the first half of the IDA strategy 2021-2024 despite the difficult global economic environment. Total employment in IDA client companies reached 301,475 in 2022. Furthermore, 260 investments of the 400 targeted over the lifetime of the Strategy for regional locations have been won.

Employment in IDA client companies in the South-East region grew by 3% and regional employment now stands at 163,653 an increase of 7% on the previous year. There are 86 IDA client companies employing 15,520 people in the region, including significant employment in Carlow with IDA client companies employing approximately 1,500 people in the county. Moreover, the IDA’s Regional Property Programme has committed to delivering 19 Advanced Building Solutions in 15 regional locations over the lifetime of their current strategy and this includes the 'Advanced Building Solution' in Carlow which is completed and included as part of IDA marketing material for FDI and Enterprise Ireland clients alike.

Furthermore, the enterprise agencies work closely with existing clients to transform, enhance, protect and grow their existing operations and IDA is committed to assisting these companies to build and grow their operations in Carlow. On 12th September 2023, MSD Ireland, one of the country’s leading healthcare companies, announced the official opening of a new, state-of-the-art site in Meath in addition to a significant expansion at its Carlow site. The projects represent a recent investment of over €1billion across both facilities.

MSD Carlow serves as a filling site for the launch and commercial supply of vaccines, biologics, and small molecule drug products. Established in 2008, this state-of-the-art facility was MSD's first vaccines operation outside of the United States and has seen significant growth, expansion, and investment since first opening its doors. The new expansion will strengthen MSD’s global manufacturing capabilities to meet increased demand for MSD’s medicines and vaccines.

Enterprise Ireland has approximately 68 client companies in County Carlow, employing 3,815 people across a broad number of sectors. In 2022, the South-East Region, including Carlow, witnessed positive developments in terms of support for new businesses and job creation. Enterprise Ireland played a significant role in this endeavour, with, for example, six start-ups from the South-East Region securing High Potential Start-Up investments totalling over €1million from Enterprise Ireland.

Irish micro mobility start-up ZEUS Scooters has raised €5m for expansion and development of its innovative solutions for markets globally. This Carlow company was Established in 2019 and launched in Germany in 2020, ZEUS has expanded into six countries across two continents and over 40 locations, making it Ireland’s largest micro mobility company. The new investment comprises €2m through Irish Based BVP investments, €350k from Enterprise Ireland, €1.65m of angel investment and €1m in debt.

I can assure the Deputy that both Agencies are strongly focussed on attracting and retaining employment opportunities for Carlow and the South-East Region.

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