Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Performance has been strong in the first half of the IDA’s 2021-2024 strategy despite the difficult global economic environment with total employment in IDA client companies reaching 301,475 in 2022. Furthermore, 260 investments of the 400 targeted over the lifetime of the Strategy for regional locations have been won and regional employment stands at 163,653 for 2022, an increase of 7% on 2021.

IDA markets Carlow as part of the South-East region for FDI investment. The region, which comprises counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, has 86 IDA client companies employing 15,520 people. The FDI performance in the region has been strong, with employment in IDA client companies in the South-East region increasing by 25% over the past five years, and by 3% in 2022. IDA client companies in Carlow employ over 1,500 people.

As part of its marketing efforts, the IDA emphasises the significant strengths that Carlow and the South-East region have to offer potential investors and it works closely with local stakeholders to support in their efforts in enhancing the competitiveness of the region for FDI.

Additionally, the IDA’s Regional Property Programme has committed to delivering 19 Advanced Building Solutions in 15 regional locations over the lifetime of their current strategy. A key feature of this offering is the IDA’s new 31,500 sq. ft. Advanced Building Solution (ABS) in Carlow Town. The new ABS building was completed in August 2023 and is being actively marketed by IDA. This building, and IDA’s wider property programme, is designed to provide property solutions which enable the Enterprise agencies to attract companies and to create opportunities to win additional investment for regional locations.

IDA works closely with existing clients to transform, enhance, protect and grow their existing operations and IDA is committed to assisting these companies to build and grow their operations in Carlow and the South-East region. In September 2023, MSD Ireland, one of the country’s leading healthcare companies, announced a significant expansion at its Carlow site as well as opening a new, state-of-the-art facility in Meath. In January 2023, IDA client Unum announced the expansion of its Technology Centre of Excellence in Carlow with 50 new highly skilled technology jobs. These significant investments by IDA client companies represent a strong vote of confidence in the South-East region.

Enterprise Ireland also has approximately 68 client companies in County Carlow, employing 3,815 people across a broad number of sectors. In 2022, the South-East Region, including Carlow, witnessed positive developments in terms of new businesses and job creation. Six start-ups from the South-East Region secured High Potential Start-Up investments totalling over €1million from Enterprise Ireland.

Irish micro mobility start-up ZEUS Scooters raised €5m for expansion and development of its innovative solutions for markets globally. This Carlow company was established in 2019 and launched in Germany in 2020. ZEUS has since expanded into six countries across two continents and over 40 locations, making it Ireland’s largest micro mobility company. Glenveagh Properties has played a key role in job creation in Co Carlow town by establishing a new manufacturing site. NUA Manufacturing, located in the Old Braun Factory in Carlow town, is a state-of-the-art timber and steel frame manufacturing facility which is poised to enhance delivery capabilities and expedite the supply of new homes.

I can assure the Deputy that both enterprise Agencies are strongly focused on attracting and retaining employment opportunities for Carlow and the South-East Region.