Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
936. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding foreign direct investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26700/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra947. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will visit County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27231/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 936 and 947 together.
Co. Kerry has seen a strong increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) related employment in recent years with a total of 434 additional jobs being created from 2011-2015. IDA Ireland is working hard to identify further investment opportunities for the Southwest region, including Kerry, that will help to generate more opportunities for the people of the wider area.
In marketing Kerry as part of the Southwest region, IDA Ireland promotes the county’s strengths, including its strong entrepreneurial reputation and track record of attracting and retaining multinational companies. The commuter rail links between Killarney and Tralee and regional airport service with direct international flights are further selling points. IDA Ireland is also working to grow FDI in the county by developing, in partnership with Kerry County Council, a new marketing campaign called “Invest in Kerry”, which will be completed by the end of this year.
With regard to Castleisland, an official from IDA Ireland met with Castleisland Chamber Alliance in February 2016 to discuss how best to attract FDI to the town. This meeting focused on how the town can meet the requirements of overseas companies and the steps taken by other locations in Kerry to try and secure further investment. I am hopeful that more companies will consider situating in Castleisland in the future and I would certainly welcome a visit to the town, and to the wider county, in the time ahead.
Finally, I want to make clear that increasing the level of FDI outside Ireland’s main urban areas remains an absolute priority of mine. IDA Ireland is equally committed to that goal, as evidenced by the Agency’s strategy for the 2015-2019 period which includes the target of growing investment by 30-40% in every region of the country.
