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IDA Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019

Tuesday, 12 February 2019

Questions (334)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

334. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will respond to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to Drogheda, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6826/19]

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Written answers

Whilst I understand that the IDA has responded directly to the specific correspondence referred to, I would like to emphasise that regional development remains an absolute priority of mine. I am focused on supporting and sustaining existing regional employment while also working to create new economic opportunities and jobs in every county of Ireland. With regard to foreign direct investment (FDI) supported employment, there are now nearly 230,000 people working in IDA client firms. Last year saw more IDA-supported jobs added in regional Ireland than at any time over the past 17 years, with 58% of total such employment now located outside of Dublin.

County Louth itself has seen a 3.5% increase in FDI-driven employment in the last year. There are now 28 IDA-supported client companies in the County employing 3,903 people. These firms are continuing to grow and develop. Last year, for example, saw PCI Pharma announce that 70 new jobs will be created at their facility in Drogheda. This represents a vote of confidence in what Louth and the broader North-East region has to offer to multinationals who are looking to locate outside of Dublin. In particular, Louth continues to maintain a strong contingent of overseas firms in the International Business Services sector, with key clients such as YapStone, Becton Dickinson and PCI Pharma Services performing well in the County.

While progress has been made in helping to generate new economic opportunities in Louth, the Government remains determined to achieve more. That is why work is continuing to unlock further the economic potential of the County. The IDA remains pivotal to this and the Agency is engaging with its clients and with other enterprise agencies to create jobs and source new investment there.

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