Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
156. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of site visits the IDA has made to County Waterford in 2017 in view of the fact that the average unemployment figures in County Waterford are 3% above the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were three IDA Ireland-sponsored site visits to County Waterford in the first quarter of 2017. In 2016 there was a total of 17 site visits to the County.
It is important to remember that the number of site visits is not necessarily an accurate measure of the level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in an area. That is because approximately 70% of all FDI won by IDA Ireland comes from its existing client base, rather than new companies.
Similarly, site visit statistics are not necessarily reflective either of the level of employment. CSO figures show that in January this year, there were 7,823 people in Waterford County and 9,271 people in Waterford City on the Live Register. These figures represent decreases of 1,084 and 1,310 respectively over the previous 12 months.
While more work remains to be done, the jobs situation in the South East is improving. Since 2012 it has had the fastest rate of employment growth, in percentage terms, of any region in the country. Almost 215,000 people are now at work in the South East, which is an increase of 33,500 since 2012.
Waterford also remains home to 35 existing IDA Ireland client companies who employ 6,135 people in a range of manufacturing and service operations. The County gained a net increase of 561 Agency supported jobs in 2016.
These figures demonstrate that the overall employment trend is one of steady improvement and I remain positive that the region will benefit from continued job creation.
