Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
41. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the best way in which to attract further foreign direct investment jobs for County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34933/20]
View answerAs Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, my focus is to lead our country through the economic crisis that has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. My Department, and the enterprise agencies under my remit, are doing everything possible to sustain businesses and get our people safely back to work in all parts of our country.
I believe the best way to attract further foreign direct investment to Kerry is to continue assisting IDA Ireland in their efforts to generate new investments and jobs to the County. I am pleased to say that FDI levels in Kerry have improved significantly in recent years. There are 18 IDA client companies in County Kerry employing approximately 2,200 people. Since 2012, Kerry has witnessed a 34% increase in employment in overseas companies. The County has maintained a strong reputation as a successful home to firms from the Pharmaceutical and Business Services sectors. Companies like Central Pharma, Sigmar Recruitment and Astellas are all located there and continue to perform well.
In terms of recent investments, JRI America announced in May 2019 that it is to expand its technology centre in Tralee, which will create up to 100 new jobs. Central Pharma is also in the process of expanding in Tralee following its announcement in December 2018 that it will create 100 new positions by establishing a contract packaging and supply centre at the IDA’s Advanced Technology Building in Tralee.
These projects are significant investments for County Kerry which will create a substantial number of jobs. The IDA will continue to draw the attention of multinational firms looking to invest or expand in Kerry and the South-West region. The Agency also owns marketable lands in Tralee and Killarney and these sites are being actively marketed by the IDA through its network of offices in Ireland and overseas.
Notwithstanding these positive developments, I appreciate that these are still difficult times. BorgWarner’s decision to close its facility in Tralee is very disappointing. Since the closure announcement, IDA Ireland has fully engaged with the company both in Tralee and its Corporate Headquarters to explore options to market the facility and its skilled workforce and to highlight the range of supports available to impacted employees. As difficult as it may be to appreciate right now, we have reason to be confident that we will find new investment and new opportunities for the employees of BorgWarner and for Tralee.
COVID-19 and the introduction of travel restrictions has disrupted the typical way that IDA engages with investors. The IDA are working on alternative approaches and their new strategy, due shortly, will focus on how FDI can have greatest impact on our economic recovery. My Department is also focused on regional development and how we ensure FDI can grow in a sustainable and inclusive way. Strengthening FDI and indigenous enterprises will feature strongly in the forthcoming National Economic Plan.
