Written answers

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Job Creation

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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74. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the investment by her Department since March 2016 in County Louth and parts of east County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34070/17]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, I am fully committed to the creation of high-quality and sustainable employment across Ireland, including in Counties Louth and Meath.

With regard to Louth, IDA supported jobs in the County grew by 11% in 2016, reaching a total of 3,574. The Agency continues to work hard to add to the 21 multinational companies currently based in the County. Enterprise Ireland clients, meanwhile, employ 5,819 people in Louth whilst companies supported by the Local Enterprise Offices there employ a further 780. Enterprise Ireland payments to companies in the County totaled €5.7 million in 2016, with payments in the first half of this year amounting to €1.3 million.

In Meath, IDA client companies employ 1,496 people across 17 different companies. Enterprise Ireland clients are responsible for 7,007 jobs in the same County while companies supported by Local Enterprise Offices there employ 927 people. Enterprise Ireland payments to companies in Meath totaled €1.9 million in 2016, with payments in the first half of this year amounting to €440,000.

Our broader efforts to support enterprise and employment in both Counties is supported by the new Regional Enterprise Development Fund that was launched on 29 May. The fund of up to €60 million, which is a key action under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs and the Action Plan for Rural Development, is aimed at accelerating economic recovery in every part of the country by delivering on the potential of local and regional enterprise. It will also support collaborative initiatives to build on specific industry sectoral strengths and improve enterprise capability.

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