Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

A central goal for the industrial development agencies is the achievement of balanced regional development. The attractiveness of Limerick lies in its position as a regional gateway, with the critical mass and infrastructure necessary to attract mobile investment to the region. Both the Government and the agencies recognise the need to provide high-volume employment opportunities in Limerick that provide sustainable, long-term jobs. The strategies adopted have proved successful to date despite a competitive and ever changing global economy. There is a churn going on in the economy in jobs which are at risk of loss to low-cost locations. We are losing out in some respects there but are gaining jobs in other sectors of the economy.

While it is disappointing to see job losses at any time, fortunately Limerick has a strong base of foreign direct investment jobs. The most recent figures available, for December 2005, show that there were 38 overseas companies employing over 8,500 people in permanent jobs and a further 1,500 in temporary and contract employment. Most of these 10,000 jobs are in the city environs but as a result of the job losses in the company concerned, I am confident that the State development agencies will strengthen their marketing and promotion efforts in the region and make every effort to secure alternative employment for the area. This will be done in partnership with other key players to maximise the flow of potential investors for the area and to convert these into investment and job opportunities.

We will work with groups that emerge and wish to try to develop alternative or similar industries. Shannon Development and Enterprise Ireland will work with companies to see if we can grow jobs again on the indigenous front as well as trying to attract foreign direct investment in and get new activities for existing foreign direct investment companies in the area.

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