Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 June 2025
107. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on IDA’s plans and progress to replace job losses at a facility (details supplied); the engagement he and the IDA has had with the company since the announcement of its phased closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31155/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the announcement by Cardinal Health of its intention to cease operations at the Tullamore site in March 2026, we have actioned our protocols and IDA Ireland is actively engaged with the company, including meetings with Tullamore leadership on-site on a regular basis, and meetings with senior corporate leaders. IDA is also actively exploring all avenues of opportunity for the site and impacted employees as a result of this announcement.
Specifically, IDA is partnering with local agencies, to support employees impacted by the company’s announcement. There is an established process of coordinated engagement by support agencies at a local level to provide supports to employees in consultation with the company. The types of supports and initiatives provided by local agencies has been communicated to the site leadership and can include the following, as appropriate:
• Outplacement employment support services and potential training opportunities may be provided/facilitated by the company and/or other providers (ETBs/Skillnet, etc..) to support impacted employees.
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees on the site; and when individuals will be available, which can be shared with other potential employers.
• Recruitment opportunities through identification and connection with other employers who may be hiring across the locality and wider region.
• In the case of Cardinal Health, marketing of the property solution, when appropriate through agents appointed by the company and by IDA Ireland through its global office network
• Information sessions by the Department of Social Protection's Intreo office for impacted employees on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification and provision of training and further education opportunities for employees (ETBs; Skillnet; Universities).
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEO’s and Enterprise Ireland.
IDA Ireland and all relevant local agencies will continue to support and assist the impacted employees.
More broadly, the Midlands Region comprises of counties Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Longford where there are 52 IDA client companies in the Midlands Region, employing 8,045 people. There are 1,420 people currently employed in Offaly across 11 IDA-supported companies. The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 26%. The Midlands has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Technology, Global Business & Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies.
IDA Ireland enjoys close working relationships with all key stakeholders across the region and is actively involved in a significant number of initiatives across the region to improve the value proposition for FDI – Just Transition, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, ICT Cluster and ATIM Cluster Steering Committee, Regional Skills Forum, etc.
IDA’s focus over the coming years is to build on the strengths and competencies of the region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and research and development opportunities across a number of established clusters in Life Sciences, Technology, and Global Business Services.
Emerging technology trends have and will continue to create new opportunities across the region in areas such as data analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity and new approaches to working such as co-working hubs.
Regional development continues to be at the centre of IDA’s new strategy. IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development.
Of course, both Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs are also in a position to support impacted staff depending on their individual needs.
