Ian Marshall (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take the opportunity to congratulate BASF on opening its financing platform in Dublin last week.  As it is a platform trading more than €10 million globally, it is a significant investment.  I especially congratulate Bastian Rietz, head of BASF Ireland financing platform, and Richard Carter, the company cluster head for the UK and Ireland.  This is a significant investment and expansion in Ireland, building on the success of its existing business in Cork, supplying products to the agricultural sector and other manufacturing industries.  It reinforces the point that Ireland still presents an excellent opportunity for global companies to locate and invest here, and for the economy to benefit from their commitment of provision of high-calibre skilled labour.

It is also significant because BASF is a world leader in research and innovation in a variety of areas such as smart energy, food, agriculture and urban living.  BASF touches on areas of business, life and society that one could never imagine.  In addition, the Cork site provides solutions for metal recovery through solvent extraction technologies, as well as solutions for energy-saving, efficient and environmentally friendly recovery of metals from ore such as copper, nickel, uranium and vanadium.  The Cork site produces more than half its electricity requirement using combined heating and power plant.  It is an efficient use of energy.  The resultant steam from the turbine is used in its manufacturing facility.

In a conversation last week, the BASF team suggested that Ireland presented an opportunity to develop and grow in a pragmatic and accommodating fashion.  Ireland made the process of relocation happen in a relatively straightforward and seamless fashion.  Ireland lent itself to working with international partners.  I congratulate all on this significant investment.  I have no doubt it will be a successful venture for BASF and the State.