Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA visits to County Cork in 2018; if she is satisfied with the amount of foreign direct investment into County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4688/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Cork has traditionally been an extremely strong performer in terms of foreign direct investment. This trend is continuing, with a steady and positive increase in employment numbers in IDA Ireland client companies in the County over the past number of years. There are currently 169 IDA client companies in Cork, employing approximately 39,000 people.  

In terms of recent growth, from 2017 to 2018 employment in IDA client companies increased by over 5% with 2,087 net new foreign direct investment-supported jobs added in the County. There have also been a number of significant job announcements by IDA clients there, including 400 jobs at VoxPro, 200 positions at Deutsche Borse Group and 100 new jobs at Forcepoint.

With regards to site visits, as of the third quarter of 2018 there have been 45 site visits by IDA clients, the second highest figure after Dublin. Site visits for the fourth quarter of last year will become available in the next month. The Agency also owns a number of properties and sites in County Cork which are being actively marketed to clients through its network of offices in Ireland and overseas.  

It is clear, not least from the County's recent performance over the last number of years, that Cork has a robust enterprise base and remains a highly attractive destination for overseas companies. Work will nevertheless continue, by both the enterprise agencies and the Government, to help ensure it continues to attract further investment.