Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

599. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the details on matters (details supplied) in relation to IDA supported jobs in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12783/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department and its agencies are working towards ambitious targets to ensure that employment and investment are distributed as evenly as possible across the country. Significant progress is being made with 58% of all IDA employment now outside of Dublin. In 2018 there were more IDA jobs added in the regions than at any time over the past 17 years.  

There are 19 IDA client companies located in County Wexford employing a total of 3,139 people. These companies have exhibited steady growth in recent years, as evidenced by the 5% increase in IDA supported employment in the County from 2017 to 2018.

Data on IDA-supported jobs is collated on a county-by-county basis. Information on the number of jobs in specific towns and locations is therefore unfortunately unavailable.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) client companies have also performed well in Wexford with 160 net new jobs added in 2018. This brings the total number of people employed in firms supported by EI to 4,674 across 115 client companies.

Looking ahead, the IDA will continue to work with its clients to identify opportunities for new investment or expansion in Wexford and the broader South-East region. In doing so, the agency will draw the attention of investors to the region's particular strengths including its ports and existing clusters of financial services, technology and high-value manufacturing firms. The IDA regularly engages with key stakeholders on the ground in Wexford including local authorities, public bodies, the education sector and companies from both its own client base but also from the indigenous sector. 

While the employment trends in Wexford are positive, the Government remains determined to achieve more. That is why work is continuing to unlock further the economic potential in the county. The IDA remains pivotal to this and the agency is engaging with its clients and with other enterprise agencies to create jobs and source new investment for Wexford.