Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2015
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the innovative ability of the Kerry Group to become a main player on global markets, given its pivotal location and expertise, to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34852/15]
View answerThe completion of the Kerry Group Global Centre facility in Naas is the largest single investment in food innovation ever by a company in Ireland. It represents a huge vote of confidence in the Irish economy. Equally importantly, it represents a resounding endorsement in the quality and expertise of Irish food science graduates and in their capacity to deliver cutting edge solutions in pursuit of new and innovative products. By extension, this will drive expansion for the industry into new and exciting domestic and export markets.
The Government’s support for the agrifood sector at all levels from farming right through to processing has been a priority for us over the term of this Government and will remain the case. Events such as the opening of Kerry’s new facility in Naas are what mark out the importance of the agrifood sector for our overall economy, our people in terms of job creation and the positive knock on effects for the wider economy and in particular the rural economy.
Investments such as this one are vitally important to the sustainable future of the Irish agrifood sector because they provide the essential infrastructure needed to target key markets. The innovation behind turning local raw materials into world-class ingredients and consumer products is one of the key goals in the Food Wise 2025 Strategy and I am committed to working with companies like Kerry to achieve these goals.
