Written Answers Nos. 561-580
561. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the action being taken by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to support new businesses and jobs in counties Cavan and Monaghan and the greater Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32225/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on enterprise and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our agencies. In that regard, under its current strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-2024, the Industrial Development Authority, IDA Ireland is targeting at least half of all investments to regional locations.
The IDA 2024 mid-year results announced in early July indicate a strong performance across foreign direct investment indicators set out in the agency's strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-2024, as targets for the total number of investments, job approvals, regional investment and number of sustainability projects supported by the agency are now exceeded.
The IDA Border region comprising counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan is home to 72 IDA client companies employing 10,173 people. The foreign direct investment, FDI, performance has been consistent over the past five years, with nine IDA supported companies in Cavan, supporting 821 jobs, and six companies in Monaghan employing 283 people at end 2023.
The Border region has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across engineering and industrial technologies, life sciences, international financial services and technology. Key IDA client companies in the region include Abbott, TCS, AbbVie Ultra Clean Technology, Wellman International, Saint Gobain, Boxmore Plastics, Terex MDS, Ex-Cel Plastics and most recently Volumetric Building Company who set up their Global Centre of Excellence in Monaghan and officially opened in May 2023.
IDA Ireland continues to actively promote Cavan and Monaghan as part of the wider Border region value proposition, building on the strengths and competencies of the region with a focus on opportunities in the life sciences, technology and services sectors.
IDA Ireland's ongoing efforts in the region also include the delivery of buildings and other land and infrastructure improvements under IDA’s regional property programme to meet the needs of IDA, Enterprise Ireland, EI, and the local enterprise Offices. IDA has recently completed the construction of an advance building solution in Monaghan which is being actively promoted to potential IDA and EI clients. In addition, IDA has recently awarded the contract to deliver a circa 3,239 sq. m advance building solution at the IDA Cavan Business and Technology Park with the main contractor now on site. An advance office building was completed in Sligo at the end of 2021 and an advance building solution is under construction at Oakfield Business Park under the programme. Planning has also been granted for an advance building solution in Letterkenny and contractor procurement has been initiated.
Enterprise Ireland is aggressively focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services, companies who are setting up new high potential start-up companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. Enterprise Ireland also supports the provision of incubation space for new start-ups both on college campuses and community enterprise centres.
To align with the objectives of the programme for Government, Enterprise Ireland will ensure that businesses of all sizes are assisted on their development journey from start-up to scaling. The core collective objectives will be to boost the productivity of established businesses and connect enterprises with innovation opportunities at home and internationally, maximising their growth and job creation potential.
The 2023 annual employment survey shows there are 70 EI-supported companies in Cavan, supporting 6,942 jobs, and 81 companies in Monaghan, employing 6,709 people.
In May last, leading electrical contractor to the construction and commercial sectors in Ireland, Callaghan Electrical, announced it has become the first construction sub-contractor to secure funding under the Enterprise Ireland: Built to Innovate initiative. The initiative is aimed at achieving faster, higher-quality construction of housing by providing funding support for productivity training, innovation and the introduction of digital, paperless systems. In March Hanley Energy Ltd announced 50 new jobs in Cavan, while in December 2022, it announced 225 new jobs in Monaghan and Louth.
In November 2023: Sam Moffett, managing director and founder of Moffett Automated Storage Ltd, was named as EY Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023. Mr. Moffett, who also won the best emerging entrepreneur award, founded the company in 2017 to provide automated pallet storage and warehousing solutions to clients.
Our enterprise agencies will continue to collaborate closely with existing clients across the regions to retain and strengthen their presence through continued company transformation as well as pursuing new areas of opportunity for client companies to identify synergies, enhance clustering, participate in site visits and maximise benefits and spillovers.
562. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a list of the supports currently available to businesses with the rising cost of running a business, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which has seen a number of closures recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32226/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is acutely aware that businesses in all sectors, including the hospitality sector, are concerned about the impact of rising costs.
The increased cost of business, ICOB, grant was introduced in Budget 2024 package to help businesses with their increasing overheads. Local Authorities are administering the ICOB scheme on behalf of the Department and the priority is to get payments to businesses as soon as possible.
In total, as of 22 July, there have been 72,719 registrations representing 81,650 businesses. With almost €166m already having been paid out to over 67,000 businesses. This amounts to €139m to businesses as a first payment, and over €26m to businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors in second payments.
A further range of measures are being brought forward to assist businesses. These measures include:
• We have increased the maximum amount available under the Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme to €10,000 and reduced the business contribution rate from 50% to 25%. Applications are open since 12th July.
• Changes are currently being incorporated to widening eligibility for the Trading Online Voucher, extending it to all sectors, including retail and hospitality, up to 50 employees, modernise eligible expenditure and doubling the grant to €5,000. We are also widening eligibility for the Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme and extending it to all sectors, including retail and hospitality, with up to 50 employees.
• Increasing the lending limit for Microfinance Ireland loans to €50,000 from €25,000.
• I launched a new online National Enterprise Hub for SMEs to access information on the wide range of Government business supports on the 10th of July. It can be accessed at www.neh.gov.ie and signposts to over 180 different Government service or supports ranging from EI and LEOs to the SEAI and Bord Bia.
• Implementing an enhanced SME Test by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach. My Department will shortly issue new guidelines on the SME Test and will work with other Departments to ensure the SME Test is an integral part of policy making.
• The removal of the €125 fee for tables and chairs for the purpose of outdoor dining by S.I 196 of 2024 - Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2024, which has been signed by Minister O’Brien.
• The Minister for Social Protection will increase the employer PRSI threshold from €441 to €496 with effect from 1 October 2024. This will ensure that employers with employees working full time on the national minimum wage will not be required to pay the higher rate of employer PRSI of 11.05% and will instead pay the lower rate of 8.8%.
• Ensuring that the employer PRSI threshold is explicitly considered as part of the Low Pay Commission deliberations and is reviewed on each occasion that the minimum wage is increased.
• Review the proposed Roadmap for Increasing Minimum Annual Remuneration Thresholds for Employment Permits, which is ongoing.
563. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the roll-out of enterprise hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32227/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional development is a priority for me and this Government as affirmed in the Government's White Paper on Enterprise.
My Department contributes to this agenda in a number of ways including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans, each of which includes strategic objectives or actions on maximising the potential of hubs in their regions.
Enterprise hubs play a vital role in supporting the enterprise ecosystem throughout the country. My Department, through Enterprise Ireland, has provided funding of over €200 million for the establishment of some 270 enterprise hubs across Ireland through a number of enterprise funding schemes.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department has secured €145 million in funding to 2027, co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund, for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme. The Smart Regions scheme is administered by Enterprise Ireland and the first call of €35 million is currently open for applications. This scheme provides support to regional enterprise projects including development of new enterprise hubs and centres and expansion of existing facilities.
The Department of Rural and Community Development, the Western Development Commission and my Department are working together to develop the first National Hub Strategy. The content of the strategy has been informed through a number of workshops and in consultation with hub managers, local authorities, Regional Enterprise Plan Programme Managers and other stakeholders. The Strategy, which I expect will be published in the coming months, will include measures to support the development and sustainability of enterprise hubs, remote working spaces and community hubs to allow them to continue to support entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs, and allow people to live and work in their own communities.
564. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the consultation that has taken place between a body (details supplied) and his Department regarding the changes announced in increasing the minimum annual remuneration thresholds for health care assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32295/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2024, the then Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond, met with the organisation referred to to discuss the changes announced to increase the employment permits minimum annual remuneration (MAR) threshold for health care assistants.
A principal rationale for the proposed increase to the thresholds was to ensure that permit holders in these roles received the minimum remuneration required to qualify for the Department of Justice’s family reunification criteria. Communication from representatives of permit holders in this role have indicated that the inability to avail of family reunification has been, and continues to be, particularly distressing to those separated from their families.
Following discussions with this organisation, the decision was taken to defer the intended increase to the MAR threshold for health care assistants, home carers and care workers. No other roles were provided such a deferral, and it was provided in recognition of the specific challenges relating to funding mechanisms for this sector. Minister Richmond publicly affirmed the temporary nature of this deferral on 31st January 2024, with January 2025 being the latest possible date for the increase, and this was reiterated directly to the organisation in March.
Earlier this year, the organisation participated in a project steering group for the recently completed review of the Labour market impacts of health care assistant employment permits. Pay and conditions were one of the areas of focus of this review. This steering group, chaired by my Department held three in-person meetings on 11th January, 14th March and 9th May and discussed, among other issues, the planned increase in MAR thresholds. during which the increases to the minimum annual remuneration were discussed and the organisation and its members also contributed survey responses to this review.
In the context of these discussions, including on the planned increase in MAR thresholds and on foot of detailed engagement with the Department of Health this year, it was decided that rather than introduce this new threshold in the second half of 2024, it would be better to do so on 1st January 2025 in order to provide the sector with time to allow for budget/contract negotiations to prepare for this change.
565. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available to encourage and support persons starting new businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32310/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the important role that our small businesses play in contributing to the Irish economy, not only in their own towns and villages nationwide, but to the country as a whole. My department through the enterprise development agencies are working to create a better business environment, one that encourages entrepreneurs to start-up and grow into exporting entities that have global reach.
The first stop for these new entrepreneurs is their Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), which are located within each of the 31 Local Authorities and are there to help businesses to start up and grow. The LEO Policy Statement, which I launched on May 23rd last, outlines how, through a variety of programmes and campaigns, LEOs foster a strong entrepreneurial culture and promote enterprise nationally. Above all, the Policy Statement shows that LEOs are, and remain, the first stop shop for all businesses regardless of sector.
For those who are considering starting up their own business, I would recommend speaking with a LEO business advisor to discover the range of assistance that is available to them through the LEOs and other government bodies. LEO contact details and information on the full range of Government supports are available at www.localenterprise.ie
I would particularly recommend asking about the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) programme, which guides entrepreneurs through the various aspects of business and business planning. The objective of the SYOB is to assist clients in assessing their business idea, its viability and help them decide if they should proceed or take a step back.
The LEO Mentor Programme is a service open to both new and existing business, allowing clients to work with an experienced mentor or business expert, to identify solutions to areas of exposure within their business. With advice and guidance from their mentor, clients develop strategies that are more robust, which address issues and maximises potential opportunities. All applications for mentor assistance are dealt with individually and are preceded by a business needs analysis to assess the key needs of the business and determine the most imperative mentoring objectives.
LEOs also offer direct grant assistance to small businesses. However, it should be noted that grants that are specifically designed for growth or exporting are aimed at those in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. Grant supports available to new start-ups include:
• Feasibility Grants, which link to the Pre-Start phase, helping start-up companies or individual entrepreneurs with the cost of researching their proposed business or new business idea to see if it could be viable and sustainable.
• Priming Grants, specifically designed for businesses in the initial start-up period, helping the business promoter with the associated costs of start-up.
LEO Mentors can also assist businesses owners with applications to Micro-finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not-for-profit lender that offers small business loans for commercially viable proposals. These can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their LEO, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged. These loans are available to any business (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 employees subject to certain eligibility criteria. As part of the SME package announced on the 15th of May, the lending limit for MFI loans will be increasing to €50,000.
In addition, the National Enterprise Hub online portal which I launched on 10th July, provides a centralised signposting service for over 180 Government supports in areas such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, skills development and innovation.
566. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the work of the IDA in County Louth in the past 12 months, including the work done to try to prevent job losses at IDA companies in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32376/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Agencies. In that regard, IDA Ireland is targeting at least half of all investments to regional locations.
There are currently 118 IDA supported multinational companies operating in the Mid-East, directly employing 20,429 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 14%. In this regard, IDA Ireland supports opportunities for sustainable growth amongst its client base through a focus on transformative investments in RD&I, digitalisation, training, and actions on sustainability to increase the competitiveness and productivity of Irish operations and their workforce.
Insofar as Co. Louth is concerned, the IDA has continued to be actively engaged with both existing companies and potential investors in the county over the past year. This engagement has focused on supporting existing businesses, attracting new investments, and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and job creation and there are currently 36 IDA supported companies in County Louth. Moreover, over the past 10 years, the number of people directly employed by IDA supported companies in Louth has grown from 3,427 in 2014 to 3,674 in 2023. This growth is attributed to investments and expansions by various companies, such as Pentagon Technologies, ABB, Kaseya, WuXi, Almac, PCI Pharma Services, Amazon Web Services, and Simply NUC, which have bolstered job creation and economic development in the County. Earlier this year Pentagon Technologies announced that it is establishing a new precision parts cleaning facility in Dundalk with approximately 100 manufacturing jobs. In 2023, ABB opened an R&D centre in Dundalk creating 30 research, engineering and sales jobs. In 2022, PCI Pharma Services launched a new high containment packaging facility in Drogheda providing 70 new jobs, Panasonic Avionics announced an expansion in Dundalk, with an additional 30 jobs and Kaseya, a US IT management and security software company, announced plans to establish a new Centre of Excellence in Dundalk with the creation of 250 jobs over three years.
These successes follow a number of other investments in the county in recent years including Simply NUC, a Texas-based systems integrator specializing in mini PCs, in Dunleer and a significant investment by WuXi Vaccines in a vaccine production facility, creating 200 jobs and a biologics contract manufacturing facility creating 600 jobs. These investments highlight IDA Ireland's commitment to fostering economic development in County Louth, creating job opportunities, and supporting the growth of key industries in the region.
IDA Ireland's ongoing efforts in County Louth also include the delivery of buildings and other land and infrastructure improvements under IDA’s Regional Property Programme. The Regional Property Programme delivered an Advanced Office Building at IDA Finnabair Business Park in Dundalk in 2019 and an Advanced Building Solution (ABS) at IDA Mullagharlin Science & Technology Park in Dundalk in 2022. IDA has also acquired c.47 hectares of enterprise development lands in Dundalk, and c. 37 hectares of enterprise development lands at the Mell in Drogheda, Co Louth in 2021. At present IDA is currently completing infrastructure upgrade works at the site and has lodged a planning application with Louth County Council for a c. 4,737 m² ABS.
IDA also continues to work closely with the private sector to secure building and property solutions for client companies and works closely with local stakeholders and industry groups to create a supportive ecosystem for FDI. This collaboration helps to ensure that regional investments can access the necessary skills, research capabilities, and business networks.
I am, of course, equally conscious of the recent announcement from Becton Dickinson that it is to close its Drogheda facility over the next two and half years, which is extremely disappointing, especially for the staff and their families impacted by the decision. In this regard, I can assure the Deputy that Government is on hand to support those employees as they seek alternative employment. IDA Ireland has regularly engaged with BD on potential supports to its four Irish sites, including Drogheda. In particular, supports for staff training and upskilling were outlined, along with sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives. Furthermore, upon being notified of the BD Board decision, IDA reaffirmed the supports available and the IDA is committed to work with BD over the course of the next 2.5 years to market the Drogheda site to potential new FDI investors. The IDA will also be highlighting the skills of impacted employees with other employers in the Region, as there are a number of IDA client companies in the North East who are actively recruiting at present.
As part of the Government's regional strategy, we will continue to target new investment for the North East region, with Drogheda and Dundalk designated as Regional Growth Centres in both the National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the IDA has added two landbanks in Drogheda and Dundalk to be marketed to potential future investors in the IDA and EI portfolios.
567. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an assessment of his Department’s views on the state of the pharma, technology and med-tech sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a proven track record as a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination, with half of the multinationals located in Ireland being here for 10 years or more, while one-third has been in Ireland for 20 years or more. The global technology sector, along with life sciences, international financial services, and engineering have been important growth engines of the Irish economy.
The technology base in Ireland has been building for over 40 years, and will continue to grow in the future, despite recent modest contraction. Digital is already a central feature of employment with technology now pervasive in all business sectors and demand for tech skills across the entire industrial base remaining strong. In this regard, Ireland's technology sector is made up of a vibrant start-up ecosystem, high quality tech talent, an innovative research ecosystem and a strong FDI base. Sub-sectors that have helped to drive growth in the tech sector include microelectronics, cloud computing, cyber security and software-as-a-service (SAAS).
The technology sector continues to be a highly strategic one for Ireland, as evidenced by several key investment announcements over the past year, including from Carelon Global Solutions, Verizon, Intel, Analog Devices and Qualcomm.
Moreover, Ireland is home to 13 of the top 20 global tech companies, and 8 of the top 10 US software companies have operations in Ireland, with over 63,000 directly employed in IDA client companies, and export figures from the CSO show computer services exports at €218.7 billion in 2023.
Ireland also has a longstanding thriving semiconductor cluster, with the microelectronics sector directly employing 20,000 people with an estimated revenue of €15.5bn in 2023. 15 of the top 30 semiconductor companies are located in Ireland and are supported by Tyndall National Institute, a dedicated national research institute for semiconductors, microelectronics and photonics.
Similarly, our country’s reputation as a global centre of excellence for life-sciences is well documented, and there is widespread recognition of the importance of the Irish life sciences industry to the global health dynamic. Overall, the life-sciences industry employs over 100,000 people in Ireland in activities ranging from manufacturing, R&D, supply chain and a variety of EMEA and global services. The sector now accounts for over €110 billion in exports from Ireland and is primarily driven by US corporations with significant investments in Ireland.
Ireland has developed a cohesive and integrated life-sciences cluster and is home to many of the top pharmaceutical and medtech companies. While the life-sciences sector in Ireland is dominated by foreign-owned MNEs with manufacturing facilities, growth in domestic companies has been consistent of the years, particularly in the medical devices sector. In this regard, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, provide a range of supports to companies operating in the biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, funded by Government.
In 2022, the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (known as NIBRT), an independent research and training organisation funded by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, launched a new advanced therapeutics facility in Dublin which will enhance Ireland’s global position in biopharma manufacturing and help to attract new high value jobs in the area of advanced therapeutics.
In April this year, I launched a report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs which forecasts that 21,000 additional jobs will be created by the biopharmaceutical sector by 2027. An Implementation Group has been set up to drive the recommendations in the report and to ensure the education and training system is responsive to the needs of the sector needs as well as by ongoing training and upskilling within the sector itself.
In May of this year, I launched the seventh call of the Disruptive Innovation Technologies Fund or "DTIF". The Call is focused on driving collaborations between enterprise and research sectors on disruptive innovation projects which will support the development of ground-breaking technologies and further position Ireland as a leading global digital hub.
Government remains fully committed to supporting industry-academia collaboration to ensure continued growth and innovation in the enterprise sectors, having already allocated €371 million to 104 successful projects approved under the six previous DTIF calls. These projects cover areas such as life-sciences, medical devices, ICT, artificial intelligence, manufacturing and environmental and will position Ireland as a leader in research and innovation, ensuring resilience in our economy across industries into the future.
568. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on his Department’s engagement with the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32379/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment I, along with Minister Calleary, Minister Higgins and officials across the Department, engage on a regular basis with the European Commission and its officials on important policy areas such as the Single Market, Competitiveness, State Aid, Trade, Industry and Digital. This is particularly important in relation to the current EU Commission's priorities on the twin climate and digital transition and how this may impact our national enterprise policy. Officials in my Department also engage with the Commission through working parties, trilogues, and on the notification of the transposition of directives where my Department has legislative responsibility.
It is also worth noting that as we approach Ireland's Presidency of the European Council in the latter half of 2026, the level of engagement with the European Commission and other European bodies will increase significantly.
569. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures being taken by his Department, in conjunction with other Departments, on the development of an all-Ireland enterprise hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32380/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, I launched the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) on the 10th of July. The NEH is a new all-of-government service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports.
The hub brings together information and resources on over 180 government supports from 19 different departments and state agencies which can be accessed through the new online hub (www.neh.gov.ie) or by speaking to a member of the team of advisors by phone or via live chat.
This free service will make it easier for entrepreneurs to access and avail of supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors, including retail, tourism and hospitality, food and beverages. It also aims to engage with small businesses who have yet to avail of government support.
The National Enterprise Hub is funded by my department and operated by Enterprise Ireland. It currently includes supports from my Department the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Agriculture, Food and the Marine as well as Local Enterprise Offices, IDA Ireland, InterTradeIreland, SEAI, Fáilte Ireland, Skillnet Ireland, Bord Bia, Design and Crafts Council Ireland, Microfinance Ireland, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, Teagasc, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Solas and the Western Development Commission.
To ensure the National Enterprise Hub contains comprehensive and up to date information on the wide range of business supports, my officials, on a quarterly basis, chair and convene a contact group with representatives from relevant government departments and agencies. With the assistance of this group my officials also conduct a monthly review of the NEH to ensure content remains relevant and up to date.
570. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits that were taken by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland clients to each of the local electoral areas (LEAs) in County Wicklow; the number of jobs that were created by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in each of the LEAs in the counties; the value of the investments made by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland client companies in each of the LEAs in the counties in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32525/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Agencies. The availability of property and infrastructure solutions is a key factor in investment decisions and a robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across the country by providing property solutions for its own as well as Enterprise Ireland and LEO clients and the IDA Ireland facilitates both virtual and in-person sites visits for companies.
Data on the number of site visits is only provided on a county level and figures from 2019 to 2023 for site visits to County Wicklow are set in the table that follows, while there were no site visits to Wicklow in Q1 this year with Quarter two figures currently being collated and verified by the IDA and will be available next month. In interpreting the figures, potential clients may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once and the figures being provided represent individual visits and are, therefore, not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
|
Wicklow |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Site Visits |
6 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
The number of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland client companies and the numbers employed from 2019-2023 are shown in the table below.
|
Wicklow |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
IDA Client Companies |
23 |
23 |
23 |
21 |
21 |
|
Total number of IDA Jobs |
2,652 |
2,794 |
2,824 |
2,771 |
2,673 |
|
EI Client companies |
156 |
159 |
126* |
133 |
128 |
|
Total Number of EI jobs |
4,270 |
3,903 |
3,818 |
3,892 |
3,683 |
* In line with Enterprise Ireland’s 2022-2024 strategy, a revision of the population of companies included in the Annual Employment Survey was undertaken to take account of companies that had been acquired or those whose strategy or need to engage with Enterprise Ireland had changed. As a result, changes to the baseline survey population impacted Enterprise Ireland client company numbers and total employment from 2021.
Grant Payments to both IDA and EI clients in County Wicklow over the last 5 years are shown below.
|
Wicklow |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
IDA Grant Payments |
€557,577 |
€3,420,440 |
€5,000 |
€371,719 |
€105,947 |
|
EI Grant Payments |
€2,792,290 |
€1,657,594 |
€6,234,716 |
€1,611,257 |
€3,195,795 |
Additionally, two infrastructural clients of Enterprise Ireland in County Wicklow, the Arklow Business Enterprise Centre and Clermont Enterprise Hub, have received payments of €1.8 million over the period 2019 to 2023.
Grants paid in a particular year are not necessarily linked to either the investments won, or the jobs created in that 12-month period. Grants are generally drawn down over the lifetime of a project which is typically over a period of three to five years. Some investments which result in job creation may not be grant aided and some well-established firms may no longer be receiving grant payments.
571. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proactive measures taking place to ensure IDA Ireland policy is prioritised in regions, particular County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32526/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Agencies. In that regard, IDA Ireland is committed to the pursuit of balanced, compact regional development and is targeting that at least half of all investments - that is 400 of 800 - from 2021 to 2024 to regional locations.
IDA Ireland is now in the final year of its 2021-24 strategy, “Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth”. The IDA's 2024 Mid-Year results indicated continued strong performance and targets for the total number of investments, job approvals, regional investment and number of sustainability projects supported by the agency are now exceeded. 131 investments were won in the first half of 2024, 74 of which were secured across regional locations, representing 56% of all investments and potential for delivery of 8,900 jobs to the economy against an increasingly challenging global operating environment. IDA has over 1,800 client companies within its portfolio employing 300,583 as at the end of 2023. Employment in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies now accounts for over 11% of the workforce. The total number of regional jobs now stands at 163,471 as at the end of 2023.
Wicklow is in the Mid-East Region which also comprises counties Kildare, Louth and Meath. There are 118 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region, employing 20,429 people. Of this, there are 21 IDA client companies in Wicklow, employing 2,673 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 14%.
The Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors. Key IDA client companies in Wicklow include Takeda, Servier Industries, Nypro and Elavon Financial Services. Counties in the Mid-East also benefit hugely from the direct and indirect employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin. Moreover, IDA Ireland continues to engage with current and prospective clients to promote Ireland as a location for their business and facilitates both virtual and in-person sites visits for companies.
At Government level we are focused on competitiveness to underpin future success in attracting inward investment and safeguard Ireland’s attractiveness as a top destination for FDI. Through implementation of national policy and strategies developed in recent years, including the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise, National Development Plan Review, Climate Action Plans and Review of the National Planning Framework we are aiming to safeguard Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination for FDI and secure future success in attracting inward investment to Ireland, including for County Wicklow.
572. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the companies in County Wicklow that have benefited from grants from Enterprise Ireland over the past five years, in tabular form; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32527/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland (EI) provided payments to 139 companies in County Wicklow in the five-year period from 2019 to 2023. Total payments to these companies over the relevant period amounts to €15.9 million. A list of the 139 companies in receipt of payment is available below.
Additionally, two infrastructural clients of EI, the Arklow Business Enterprise Centre and the Clermont Enterprise Hub, received payments of €1.8 million in the period 2019 to 2023.
Funding provided to EI supported companies and infrastructural clients helps to create quality and sustainable jobs and future proof the economy. Enterprise Ireland's latest Annual Employment Survey shows that there were 3,683 people employed Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Wicklow in 2023.
List of companies in receipt of payment from Enterprise Ireland, in County Wicklow, 2019-2023
|
(AM) ACOUSTIC MATERIALS LIMITED |
|
250KAL FOODS LIMITED |
|
3C PROJECT MANAGEMENT LIMITED |
|
6W MERIDIAN CLINICAL LIMITED |
|
ACTIVE DIFFERENCE LIMITED |
|
AEROFORMS LIMITED |
|
ALERT PACKAGING LIMITED |
|
ALPAXA LIMITED |
|
AQUALICENSE LIMITED |
|
ARMSTRONG TIMBER ENGINEERING LIMITED |
|
ASPIRICO LIMITED |
|
ASTECH (IRELAND) LIMITED |
|
ATC LANGUAGE & TRAVEL LIMITED |
|
AUDREY VANCE |
|
AUTOMATIC PLASTICS LIMITED |
|
AVONDALE LANDSCAPES LIMITED |
|
BEESWAX EUROPE LIMITED |
|
BLUE COW TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
BOYLE INTERIOR MARKETING LIMITED |
|
BRIGHTSONT LIMITED |
|
BROOKE & SHOALS FRAGRANCE LIMITED |
|
BUILDING SOFTWARE SERVICES LIMITED |
|
CALT DYNAMICS LIMITED |
|
CASTLEBROOK FURNITURE & DESIGN LIMITED |
|
CLEVERNET LIMITED |
|
COOL PLANET GROUP LIMITED |
|
CR ROBOTICS LIMITED |
|
CRAIG BRADY |
|
CROWLEY CARBON LIMITED |
|
CROWN ROOFING LIMITED |
|
D. & E. FITZGERALD LIMITED |
|
DAIRYGLEN PRODUCTS LIMITED |
|
DASH APPS LIMITED |
|
DERRICK BELL |
|
DORTEK LIMITED |
|
DR.COY'S HEALTH FOODS LIMITED |
|
DRUID SOFTWARE LIMITED |
|
EATING FREELY LIMITED |
|
EMBANKMENT PLASTICS LIMITED |
|
EXPLORE MARKETING LIMITED |
|
FAST FREIGHT LIMITED |
|
FDM ARC MANUFACTURING LIMITED |
|
FIRST AID WHOLESALE LIMITED |
|
FIRST TINC LIMITED |
|
FISHERS OF NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY LIMITED |
|
FLANAGANS INTERIORS LIMITED |
|
FLYNN & FLYNN GLOBAL TRADE LIMITED |
|
FRAGRANCES OF IRELAND LIMITED |
|
GINO'S ITALIAN LIMITED |
|
GLANMIRE ELECTRONICS LIMITED |
|
GLENDALOUGH CRAFT CENTRE LIMITED |
|
GLENHAVEN FOODS (ARKLOW) UNLIMITED COMPANY |
|
GREEN TREATS LIMITED |
|
GREG PETERSON |
|
HEELS AND WARDROBE LIMITED |
|
HISUN TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
HORNER AGENCIES LIMITED |
|
HUBSKU LIMITED |
|
IDENTICARE LIMITED |
|
INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING LIMITED |
|
INFERNECO LIMITED |
|
INTELLIGO SOFTWARE LIMITED |
|
INVENTISE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED |
|
INVER DESIGNS DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY |
|
IRISH FLEXIBLE PACKAGING LIMITED |
|
JOHN P. HOPKINS & SONS, LIMITED |
|
JP HAIR & BEAUTY LIMITED |
|
KELLY DRAIN MAINTENANCE SERVICES LIMITED |
|
KEY PLASTICS LIMITED |
|
KFG LIMITED |
|
KINDERFLI HEALTHWORKS LIMITED |
|
L.M.H. ENGINEERING LIMITED |
|
MADDOCKS ONLINE LIMITED |
|
MANSTELT LIMITED |
|
MARINE HEALTHFOODS LIMITED |
|
MATTHEW BRITTON CARPETS LIMITED |
|
MEDSHARE LIMITED |
|
MEGAZYME LIMITED |
|
MEHOW MEDICAL IRELAND LIMITED |
|
MOSART LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH LIMITED |
|
MURPHYS LIQUIDATION FURNITURE LIMITED |
|
NATIONAL ORGANIC 160 PRODUCTS LIMITED |
|
NEOTUTUM RISK MANAGEMENT LIMITED |
|
NEW VISION HEALTHCARE LIMITED |
|
NIALL KAVANAGH |
|
NIBBED LIMITED |
|
NUA FERTILITY IRELAND LIMITED |
|
NUA MANUFACTURING MMC LIMITED |
|
NUTRIQUICK IRELAND LIMITED |
|
OBERG ASSOCIATES LIMITED |
|
OMAOLCATHA BUSINESS OPERATING SYSTEMS LIMITED |
|
OSTIA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS LIMITED |
|
P. BOLAND LIMITED |
|
PA CONSULTING DESIGN PARTNERS LIMITED |
|
PACE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE LIMITED |
|
PCH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
PHONEWARE LIMITED |
|
PIPER SYSTEMS LIMITED |
|
PIVOT CLOUD SOLUTIONS LIMITED |
|
PLAY HOUSE STUDIOS LIMITED |
|
POREBSKI ENTERPRISES LIMITED |
|
POWERSCOURT DISTILLERY LIMITED |
|
R. S. WHITE (WATER TREATMENT) LIMITED |
|
RAPPEL ENTERPRISES LIMITED |
|
RATH-WOOD HOME AND GARDEN WORLD LIMITED |
|
READI-WATCH LIMITED |
|
RESIDENTIAL UTILITY MANAGEMENT LIMITED |
|
ROBERT FINN |
|
ROHAN SAUCES LIMITED |
|
RYCO GRAPHICS LIMITED |
|
SEATS SOFTWARE LIMITED |
|
SHEEPWOOL INSULATION LIMITED |
|
SILKY OCEAN LIMITED |
|
SINEAD MOORE |
|
SMART UNDER-STAIRS LIMITED |
|
SOBI ANALYTICS LIMITED |
|
SOFTWORKS LIMITED |
|
SPORTS IMPACT TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
STURDY PRODUCTS LIMITED |
|
SUNAURA DISTRIBUTION LIMITED |
|
SWITCHMETRICS LIMITED |
|
TABERO LIMITED |
|
TAKEDA IRELAND LIMITED |
|
THE BUTLER'S PANTRY HOLDINGS LIMITED |
|
THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE STORE (LIFFEY STREET) LIMITED |
|
TOM O'SULLIVAN |
|
TRAMEX LIMITED |
|
TRINITY BIOTECH MANUFACTURING LIMITED |
|
VENTAC & COMPANY LIMITED |
|
VENTILUX LIMITED |
|
VITROPICS LIMITED |
|
WICKLOW HIRE AND SALES LIMITED |
|
WICKLOW WOLF BREWING COMPANY LIMITED |
|
WIN WITH RELAY LIMITED |
|
WOOD MOULDINGS LIMITED |
|
WOODFAB STRUCTURES LIMITED |
|
WOODFAB TIMBER LIMITED |
|
YORUBA ENGINEERING LIMITED |
|
ZAHRA PUBLISHING LIMITED |
573. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a skills audit for County Wicklow by IDA Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32528/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland have confirmed that they have not carried out a Skills Audit in County Wicklow. However, I am advised that Wicklow County Council have done so, should the Deputy wish to follow up with Wicklow County Council.
574. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits to each county over the past five years by the IDA, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32529/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Agencies. In that regard, IDA Ireland is committed to the pursuit of balanced, compact regional development and is targeting that at least half of all investments - that is 400 of 800 - from 2021 to 2024 to regional locations.
131 investments were won in the first half of 2024, 74 of which were secured across regional locations, representing 56% of all investments. This will enable the future delivery of 8,900 jobs to the economy against an increasingly challenging global operating environment
IDA has over 1,800 client companies within its portfolio employing 300,583 as at the end of 2023, with employment levels above 300,000 for the second consecutive year. Employment in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies now accounts for over 11% of the workforce. Additionally, my Department estimates that for every 10 jobs generated by FDI directly, another eight are created in the wider economy. This translates to over 540,000 direct and indirect jobs supported by FDI at the end of 2023, almost 20% of the workforce.
The total number of regional jobs now stands at 163,471 as at the end of 2023. The Midlands Region saw the strongest level of growth in 2023, up 5.8% on 2022 levels. There was also growth in the Border Region (up 2.7%) and Mid-West Region (up 2.6%) with the South-West and South-East Regions up by 1.2% and 1.4% respectively. Elsewhere, job numbers in IDA clients in the West Region was down by 1.8% whilst Dublin and the Mid-East Region declined by 1.2% and 4.8% respectively.
Investment by IDA Ireland through its Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to remain competitive in attracting FDI to the regions. IDA Ireland continues to engage with current and prospective clients to promote Ireland as a location for their business and facilitates both virtual and in-person sites visits for companies. The use of digital platforms by IDA has contributed to an enhanced digital engagement with existing clients and in hosting e-visits with potential new investors.
The data on the number of visits to IDA sites by County since 2020 are set out below with figures reflecting both in-person and e-visits.
|
Site Visits by County |
|||||
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Q1 2024 |
|
|
Carlow |
2 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Clare* |
16 |
20 |
22 |
40 |
6 |
|
Cork |
30 |
44 |
45 |
39 |
7 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
|
Dublin* |
121 |
153 |
201 |
173 |
37 |
|
Galway* |
21 |
31 |
40 |
38 |
5 |
|
Kerry* |
1 |
1 |
13 |
8 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
8 |
6 |
3 |
10 |
2 |
|
Laois |
2 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Limerick* |
26 |
37 |
48 |
52 |
12 |
|
Longford |
1 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
Louth |
14 |
10 |
16 |
11 |
2 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Meath |
2 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
6 |
10 |
7 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
12 |
9 |
10 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
8 |
12 |
18 |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
14 |
20 |
20 |
13 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Total |
311 |
384 |
486 |
464 |
85 |
|
Total outside Dublin |
190 |
231 |
285 |
291 |
48 |
Note: Potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. These figures represent individual visits and are therefore not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.
*visits to these counties include 3 one-to-many visits that took place during 2023.
575. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of local enterprise office sponsored companies per county; the number of jobs in local enterprise office sponsored companies, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32530/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Enterprise Offices (LEOs) undertake their annual employment survey in Q4 each year, these results are then reported to the Department and published the following January. In 2023 the LEOs financially assisted a portfolio of 7,167 small businesses, that account for 38,726 jobs across the country. This is the highest recorded number since the establishment of the LEOs and represents a 10th year of consecutive jobs growth. Last year saw LEO supported companies create 6,640 new jobs, with a net gain of 2,131 jobs, 82% of the new jobs created were located outside of Dublin.
In May this year, I launched the LEO Policy Statement 2024-2030, which, following the publication of the White Paper on Enterprise, outlines the future direction of the LEOs and an agreed approach on how their work will adapt to contribute to the implementation of five of the priorities of the White Paper on Enterprise – decarbonisation, digitalisation, increasing exporters, enabling the locally traded sector to thrive, and stepping up enterprise innovation.
The Policy Statement ensures the LEOs will continue to build on the success of the past 10 years, broadening their reach even further and identifies that over 370,000 businesses are eligible for some type of support from the LEOs.
The number of small businesses who were assisted by LEOs and the number of jobs supported by these businesses in 2023, are set out in the table below.
|
County |
No. of LEO Supported Companies |
Jobs Supported |
|
Carlow |
208 |
1005 |
|
Cavan |
171 |
1442 |
|
Clare |
229 |
1393 |
|
Cork |
630 |
3268 |
|
Donegal |
259 |
1539 |
|
Dublin |
1223 |
5718 |
|
Galway |
259 |
1240 |
|
Kerry |
242 |
1219 |
|
Kildare |
268 |
1309 |
|
Kilkenny |
188 |
1100 |
|
Laois |
141 |
777 |
|
Leitrim |
155 |
472 |
|
Limerick |
313 |
2049 |
|
Longford |
268 |
1355 |
|
Louth |
212 |
911 |
|
Mayo |
195 |
1222 |
|
Meath |
258 |
1383 |
|
Monaghan |
168 |
1015 |
|
Offaly |
206 |
1177 |
|
Roscommon |
171 |
1007 |
|
Sligo |
193 |
982 |
|
Tipperary |
266 |
1578 |
|
Waterford |
280 |
1237 |
|
Westmeath |
269 |
1600 |
|
Wexford |
234 |
1954 |
|
Wicklow |
161 |
774 |
|
Total |
7167 |
38726 |
576. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland sponsored companies per county; the number of jobs in Enterprise Ireland sponsored companies, by county, for the last five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland's employment survey results for 2023 present a positive outlook for the Irish economy, particularly in the sectors under its remit. According to the Annual Employment Survey 2023, there has been a notable increase in employment levels across industrial and service companies. This growth is not just confined to the capital city but is spread across the Country, with 68% of the new jobs being created outside of Dublin.
Over the ten-year period from 2014 to 2023, there has been a consistent upward trajectory in employment figures, reflecting the success of policies aimed at fostering enterprise and innovation. The strategic focus on diversifying Ireland's economic base and promoting exports has also contributed to this positive trend.
The spread of employment across various regions and sectors is particularly encouraging, as it suggests a balanced and inclusive economic development. These results are a cause for optimism and underscore the importance of continued investment in enterprise development and innovation strategies.
Number of Plants per County
|
County |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Carlow |
85 |
89 |
69 |
68 |
68 |
|
Cavan |
80 |
81 |
70 |
67 |
70 |
|
Clare |
136 |
140 |
94 |
100 |
100 |
|
Cork |
579 |
607 |
457 |
468 |
467 |
|
Donegal |
129 |
138 |
104 |
103 |
98 |
|
Dublin |
2,178 |
2,323 |
1,697 |
1,736 |
1,744 |
|
Galway |
262 |
287 |
219 |
225 |
234 |
|
Kerry |
122 |
128 |
89 |
90 |
90 |
|
Kildare |
194 |
202 |
150 |
155 |
158 |
|
Kilkenny |
114 |
119 |
87 |
84 |
82 |
|
Laois |
52 |
52 |
38 |
39 |
39 |
|
Leitrim |
22 |
23 |
15 |
18 |
16 |
|
Limerick |
258 |
267 |
179 |
175 |
178 |
|
Longford |
47 |
45 |
33 |
30 |
27 |
|
Louth |
152 |
156 |
127 |
127 |
130 |
|
Mayo |
117 |
124 |
92 |
97 |
103 |
|
Meath |
165 |
175 |
143 |
151 |
150 |
|
Monaghan |
106 |
107 |
78 |
79 |
81 |
|
Offaly |
60 |
63 |
56 |
53 |
52 |
|
Roscommon |
50 |
54 |
35 |
32 |
30 |
|
Sligo |
71 |
74 |
47 |
46 |
51 |
|
Tipperary |
122 |
131 |
99 |
99 |
99 |
|
Waterford |
142 |
146 |
102 |
100 |
98 |
|
Westmeath |
99 |
103 |
80 |
71 |
73 |
|
Wexford |
118 |
119 |
87 |
85 |
85 |
|
Wicklow |
156 |
159 |
126 |
133 |
128 |
|
Grand Total |
5,616 |
5,912 |
4,373 |
4,431 |
4,451 |
Number of jobs in Enterprise Ireland sponsored companies per County 2019-2023
|
County |
2019 |
2020 |
2021* |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Carlow |
3,257 |
3,171 |
3,500 |
3,815 |
3,916 |
|
Cavan |
6,089 |
6,045 |
6,506 |
6,534 |
6,942 |
|
Clare |
4,325 |
4,372 |
4,286 |
5,266 |
5,184 |
|
Cork |
25,130 |
25,706 |
24,962 |
25,585 |
25,769 |
|
Donegal |
4,236 |
4,148 |
4,209 |
4,308 |
3,479 |
|
Carlow |
78,003 |
77,352 |
66,704 |
70,785 |
74,681 |
|
Dublin |
8,431 |
8,369 |
8,122 |
8,651 |
9,104 |
|
Galway |
3,257 |
3,171 |
3,500 |
3,815 |
3,916 |
|
Kerry |
4,828 |
4,697 |
4,598 |
4,874 |
4,973 |
|
Kildare |
9,301 |
9,154 |
9,098 |
9,270 |
9,436 |
|
Kilkenny |
4,832 |
4,784 |
4,960 |
4,908 |
5,630 |
|
Laois |
1,769 |
1,849 |
1,886 |
1,924 |
1,867 |
|
Leitrim |
610 |
585 |
622 |
834 |
880 |
|
Limerick |
9,755 |
9,774 |
9,141 |
8,736 |
8,924 |
|
Longford |
2,954 |
2,959 |
2,262 |
2,223 |
2,392 |
|
Louth |
6,207 |
6,372 |
6,521 |
6,369 |
6,744 |
|
Mayo |
5,037 |
4,888 |
4,862 |
5,288 |
6,004 |
|
Meath |
7,687 |
7,845 |
7,510 |
7,943 |
7,898 |
|
Monaghan |
5,749 |
5,548 |
5,579 |
6,255 |
6,709 |
|
Offaly |
4,238 |
4,172 |
4,249 |
4,260 |
4,091 |
|
Roscommon |
1,788 |
1,754 |
1,684 |
1,619 |
1,671 |
|
Sligo |
2,013 |
1,992 |
1,966 |
2,116 |
2,308 |
|
Tipperary |
6,225 |
6,556 |
6,287 |
6,542 |
6,742 |
|
Waterford |
6,853 |
6,208 |
6,519 |
7,502 |
7,580 |
|
Westmeath |
3,382 |
3,296 |
3,019 |
3,099 |
3,178 |
|
Wexford |
4,926 |
5,114 |
5,024 |
5,580 |
5,710 |
|
Wicklow |
4,270 |
3,903 |
3,818 |
3,892 |
3,683 |
|
Grand Total |
221,895 |
220,613 |
207,894 |
218,178 |
225,495 |
* In line with Enterprise Ireland’s 2022-2024 strategy, a revision of the population of companies included in the Annual Employment Survey was undertaken, including companies that had been acquired or those whose strategy or need to engage with Enterprise Ireland had changed. As a result, the changes to the baseline survey population reduced the total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies when 2021 results were surveyed.
577. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA-sponsored companies per county; and the number of jobs in IDA-sponsored companies, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Government's enterprise policy, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Agencies. In that regard, IDA Ireland is committed to the pursuit of balanced, compact regional development and is targeting that at least half of all investments - that is 400 of 800 - from 2021 to 2024 to regional locations.
IDA has over 1,800 client companies within its portfolio employing 300,583 as at the end of 2023, with employment levels above 300,000 for the second consecutive year. Employment in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies now accounts for over 11% of the workforce. Additionally, my Department estimates that for every 10 jobs generated by FDI directly, another eight are created in the wider economy. This translates to over 540,000 direct and indirect jobs supported by FDI at the end of 2023, almost 20% of the workforce.
Investment by IDA Ireland through its Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations which is a key element in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the regions. 131 investments were won in the first half of 2024, 74 of which were secured across regional locations, representing 56% of all investments. The total number of regional jobs now stands at 163,471 as at the end of 2023. The Midlands Region saw the strongest level of growth in 2023, up 5.8% on 2022 levels. There was also growth in the Border Region (up 2.7%) and Midwest Region (up 2.6%) with the Southwest and Southeast Regions up by 1.2% and 1.4% respectively. Elsewhere, job numbers in IDA clients in the West Region was down by 1.8% whilst Dublin and the Mid East Region declined by 1.2% and 4.8% respectively.
As requested the number of IDA client companies and jobs by county in 2023, which are the most up to date figures available, is set out in the table below.
|
County |
IDA Clients 2023 |
Total IDA Client Jobs (2023) |
|
Cavan |
9 |
821 |
|
Donegal |
22 |
5,036 |
|
Leitrim |
4 |
1,104 |
|
Monaghan |
6 |
283 |
|
Sligo |
31 |
2,929 |
|
Dublin |
985 |
137,112 |
|
Kildare |
45 |
11,909 |
|
Louth |
36 |
3,674 |
|
Meath |
16 |
2,173 |
|
Wicklow |
21 |
2,673 |
|
Clare |
70 |
5,919 |
|
Limerick |
71 |
16,018 |
|
Tipperary |
17 |
5,320 |
|
Laois |
5 |
155 |
|
Longford |
7 |
1,801 |
|
Offaly |
11 |
1,385 |
|
Westmeath |
28 |
4,582 |
|
Carlow |
4 |
1,440 |
|
Kilkenny |
13 |
1,037 |
|
Waterford |
43 |
9,078 |
|
Wexford |
26 |
3,746 |
|
Cork |
216 |
49,253 |
|
Kerry |
17 |
2,043 |
|
Galway |
103 |
24,080 |
|
Mayo |
16 |
5,434 |
|
Roscommon |
9 |
1,578 |
|
Totals |
1831 |
300,583 |
578. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the construction of the advanced manufacturing facility at IDA Marlinstown Business Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath. [32918/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of property and infrastructure solutions that meet the needs of Multi-National Corporations and indigenous clients remain essential to winning investments. IDA Ireland assists internationally trading enterprises, including clients of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs, through its Regional Property Programme. This is especially important for IDA Ireland clients as a robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning Foreign Direct Investment projects.
In a challenging, competitive and uncertain global environment, IDA’s regional property programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients. Under its current strategy, ‘Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021–2024’, IDA is progressing delivery of 19 Advanced Building Solutions (ABS) in regional locations. This includes an ABS in Mullingar and, in that regard, IDA Ireland secured planning permission from Westmeath County Council in November 2022 for the construction of a c.50,000sq.ft. Advanced Building Solution consisting of office and light industrial/production spaces which also included for a vehicular/pedestrian entrance, signage, new timber post-and-rail boundaries, car parking, cycle shelters, landscaping, gas skid, underground storage tank, independent ESB substation & switch room building, access road and all associated site works. IDA Ireland subsequently commenced the procurement process for the selection of a suitably qualified contractor to complete the development. However, that tender process was the subject of judicial review proceedings, which have now been concluded, but which have significantly delayed the project. It is envisaged that IDA will be in a position to commence the procurement process for the appointment of a contractor in Q3 2024.
579. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a progress report on the implementation of the midland regional enterprise plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32919/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development is a key focus for me and this Government as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise. My Department contributes to progress this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs).
The REPs are collaborative plans bringing together a range of stakeholders, including the enterprise agencies, local authorities and higher education institutions. The Midlands REP is implemented at a regional level by a Steering Committee made up of stakeholders from Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois. Dr Anne Cusack is Chair of the Midlands REP Steering Committee. The last meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 17 May in Mullingar, County Westmeath, with the next scheduled for 22 November in County Longford.
My Department oversees implementation of the REPs at the national level. A meeting of the National Oversight Group for the REPs with Steering Committee Chairpersons, including Dr Cusack, took place on 25 April 2024. At that meeting the REP Chairpersons provided feedback on implementation and the future of the REPs initiative was also discussed.
Nine REP Progress Reports have been published, which document implementation to the end of Q3 2023 for each plan, including the Midlands. These reports were prepared by the Steering Committees and are available on my Department’s website.
Good progress has been made implementing actions across the Midlands REP. Some highlights include:
• The launch on 17 May of new Midlands Regional and Town Profiles. The profiles cover the region and five key towns: Athlone, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Tullamore, and Longford, each demonstrating distinctive attributes that make them attractive destinations to invest, work and live. They serve to promote the region’s value proposition, including its centrality, the existing enterprise base and access to talent, as well as its rich arts, cultural and recreational assets.
• European Digital Innovation Hub funding was awarded to Irish Manufacturing Research, Mullingar to lead the FactoryXchange in Mullingar. It will serve as a one-stop-shop, providing access to technical expertise and experimentation, as well as innovation services and the training and skills development necessary for successful digital transformation.
Projects under the REPs may draw on a range of funding sources, from EU level to funding provided directly by local authorities and elsewhere in central government, such as schemes administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department has approved over €126 million for 79 enterprise projects through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme, providing significant funding for REPs aligned projects to develop regional enterprise ecosystems. The Midlands secured over €6.8 million in funding for five projects. These Enterprise Ireland funding schemes have helped drive implementation of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan.
My Department has also secured up to €145 million for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which will support projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans. The first call of €35 million under this scheme, which is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund, is open on the Enterprise Ireland website. The Scheme will support the development of innovative services through local infrastructure, innovation clusters, services to SMEs and early-stage feasibility and priming research. I expect to see projects from the Midlands supported through the scheme and I hope to announce successful projects under the first call in the coming months.
580. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacancies at IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland; the duration of such vacancies; and to outline the challenges for filling such posts. [32920/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have highly skilled and highly motivated workforces who are dedicated to ensuring that Ireland has a successful enterprise base which competes globally. Vacancies will arise for a variety of reasons including retirements. I am advised that the current number of vacancies in Enterprise Ireland, in Ireland and across their global network, is 94.5 (Full-Time Equivalents). All vacancies are at varying stages in the recruitment process. This vacancy figure includes some posts where candidates have been identified and are expected to commence in the coming weeks. Most of these vacancies are progressing without challenges.
I am further advised that IDA Ireland currently has 30 vacancies across the organisation. Vacancies may remain open for more than 6 months. The minimum time required for advertising and filling a role internally is 2-3 months and if no suitable internal candidate is identified, the agency must seek external candidates, extending the time frame to 6 months or more if the initial recruitment process is not successful.
The key challenges facing both EI and IDA in filling some roles are set out below:
• Some of roles are very specialist in nature and there is a scarcity of available resources in the market.
• The overall compensation and benefits package is sometimes not competitive which can result in low application numbers or successful candidates not accepting the offer of the role. It is particularly difficult to source suitable candidates at Technical Levels and Level B respectively due to the starting salaries for such grades.
• There is also the complexity of salaries for local hires overseas needing to be competitive in that market and this can present challenges in certain markets.
It should also be noted that both agencies offer graduate programmes which are highly regarded and over-subscribed. Data on the length of time that individual posts have been vacant is not available.
