Dáil debates

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

2:45 pm

Photo of Frank O'RourkeFrank O'Rourke (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to focus my contribution in this debate on the agrifood sector. The agrifood sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and employs over 175,000 people with a turnover of €11 billion last year. Fianna Fáil in government introduced the visionary Food Harvest 2020 strategy for the period 2010-20. Food Wise 2025 has been generally welcomed by the industry and is a solid basis for planning a future for this industry sector. The agrifood and agridrink sector accounts for 7.6% of our economy. It accounts for 12.3% of Ireland’s exports, into 175 different markets, and 8.6% of total employment in the country. The total payroll in this sector is €1.8 billion, which is more than any other manufacturing sector in the country, and this provides a huge stimulus to the local economy. A recent article in the Irish Examineron the food industry in Ireland stated, "The future for the food industry and opportunities for global growth are literally mouth-watering." Ireland has evolved steadily from exporting live animals and freshly harvested crops to adding more value and exporting value-added food products. This industry has developed and continues to develop new products using new production technology.

One of the reasons I am focusing on this sector is that I see the potential for the industry in my constituency. Naas and surrounding areas are home to many food related companies with strong brands. These brands include Kerry Foods, Dawn Farm Foods, the Queally Group, Green Isle, Brady's, Kildare Farm Foods, Taravale Foods and Ballymooney Foods. I notice as well that Advanced Laboratory Testing Limited, located in Newbridge, provides valuable accreditation services for the food industry. I have seen at first hand the investment these companies have made and continue to make in terms of production, product development, technology, human resources and infrastructure. The Kerry Group, which now employs 800 people in Naas, has opened one of the world’s most advanced food innovation facilities. It was the largest single investment in food innovation ever by a company in Ireland and puts Ireland firmly at the forefront of global food innovation.

I believe strongly that Naas and the surrounding areas should be designated a hub for the food sector. I know that the former Minister of State and former Deputy for North Kildare, Áine Brady, was one of the first to propose such a hub for Naas back in 2007 and since we have seen the industry broaden and strengthen its link to Naas. I acknowledge her work in driving this agenda on behalf of Kildare and trying to secure more employment in the area. I know from talking to some people in the industry that having a designated hub for the food sector in Naas would bring benefits for the whole industry. It would facilitate a centre of excellence approach for the industry, bring synergies to the sector and enable collaboration between the companies involved in the sector. A hub would assist in building networks which would include knowledge providers such as Maynooth University or other relevant research services. Naas has easy access to the M7 and hence access to inland markets and export markets with easy access to ports and airports. I appreciate that other locations around the country have successful food related companies. However, to my knowledge, no other region has such a critical mass of food related companies. Having Naas designated a hub for the food sector will assist in marketing food products, improve competitiveness, attract the best in the business and share leading edge technologies. I call on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland to consider designating Naas and its surrounding areas a hub for the food sector.

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