Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
62. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on his Department’s efforts, in conjunction with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, to attract new commerce and industry to County Clare. [16695/24]
View answerRegional development is a key element of the Government's enterprise policy and is fully reflected in the Strategies of our Enterprise Development Agencies.
IDA Ireland is targeting that at least half of all investments - that is 400 of 800 - from 2021 to 2024 to regional locations. The IDA Mid-West Region, including County Clare, has 159 IDA client companies in the region, employing over 27,000 people, with 70 companies employing almost 6,000 in County Clare itself. The IDA works closely with the existing base of client companies to support their continued growth, as well as looking to locate new investments in the County, and over the past five years employment among IDA clients in Clare has increased by 20%.
Enterprise Ireland has also been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for business growth in County Clare and through strategic initiatives and partnerships, focused on enhancing the employment attractiveness of the Mid-West region. Enterprise Ireland has 100 clients in County Clare that it works with that employ almost 5,200 people.
Furthermore, the Local Enterprise Office Clare Development Plan outlines a comprehensive framework for enterprise development in the area.
EI's commitment to creating jobs and supporting local enterprises is evident in the success stories of businesses in the county that have thrived with their assistance, contributing to the economic vitality of County Clare.
