Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
20. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the measures the Government is taking regarding job creation in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25098/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe we can achieve a record 2.5 million people in work by 2024. That means full employment – a job for anybody who wants one. It also means ensuring job opportunities in all parts of Ireland to achieve balanced regional development.
The recently launched Regional Enterprise Plans will be working to meet these objectives over the coming years.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment working with our agencies Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and the LEOs, help companies in every county of Ireland to start and scale, innovate, and remain competitive in international markets.
As the Deputy is aware, in December 2020, Harmac Medical Products announced a major investment in its facility at Castlerea to accelerate the manufacturing of surgical masks and non-invasive ventilation products, creating 60 new roles. In May 2021, Enterprise Ireland client company Chanelle Pharma announced plans for 60 jobs in Ballinasloe and a €5m investment.
Focusing on Galway, in 2021, over 8,000 people were employed across 215 Enterprise Ireland client companies. Over 1,000 jobs were created resulting in a net increase in employment of 714. In addition, there are 94 IDA supported companies in Galway City and County, employing over 22,000 people.
Between 2019 and 2021 €33m was invested by the Government through our agency Enterprise Ireland in their client companies in County Galway with a further €8.6 million toward infrastructural projects in County Galway facilitating new collaborative and innovative initiatives that can make a significant impact on enterprise development in the region.
LEO Galway provided priming and business expansion grants to 277 businesses across Galway County and city creating 221 jobs in 2021.
Focussing on Roscommon, in 2021, over 1,600 people were employed by 34 Enterprise Ireland client companies. During 2021, 154 new jobs were created resulting in a net increase in employment of 102 people. In addition, 10 IDA supported companies employ 1,473 in total.
In 2021, 940 people were employed in 167 LEO Roscommon assisted businesses with 104 net jobs created.
Between 2019 and 2021 €3.2m was invested by the Government through Enterprise Ireland in their client companies in County Roscommon. Funding has been approved for the development of Monksland Innovation Hub which will commence refurbishment in 2022 and will create over 50 jobs in 2023.
