Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
344. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs which have been created in County Kerry by Enterprise Ireland during each of the past 10 years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5230/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra346. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Enterprise Ireland plans to create new jobs in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5232/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 346 together.
Enterprise Ireland's strategy “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025–2029)'' prioritises regional enterprise development, innovation, and sustainability and building the capability of Irish companies to grow in world markets. Over 60 percent of all EI client company employment is outside Dublin.
The latest available figures for the number of jobs in Enterprise Ireland supported companies relate to 2024. 2025 figures will be available later in January.
In 2024 there were 5,206 people employed in Enterprise Ireland companies in Kerry. The number of new jobs which have been created in EI supported companies in Kerry in each of the past 10 years is outlined in the table below.
|
Enterprise Ireland |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Kerry Total Gains (Jobs Created) |
594 |
237 |
360 |
228 |
272 |
316 |
518 |
642 |
435 |
293 |
In County Kerry, the business landscape has seen significant developments. Major announcements include that Kerry Group, a global leader in the food and beverage industry headquartered in Tralee, announced the strategic acquisition of two Danish bioscience companies. This will enhance Kerry Group's biotechnology solutions capability. In 2024, All Real Nutrition announced the creation of 50 jobs in Farranfore and Beam announced 30 new jobs in Tralee.
There have been a number of recent approvals for Kerry based projects funded through the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, including:
- The Agritech Centre in MTU Tralee successfully secured Smart Regions Funding towards the development of a consortia of clients across a section of sector SMEs and Multinationals who wish to strategically embark on a digital transformation.
- The Dingle Innovation Hub secured a Feasibility Grant to envisage a viable pathway for both new and existing food businesses along the Dingle Peninsula to scale internationally.
- The RDI Hub in Killorglin secured funding to develop a suite of programmatic supports for start up and scaling companies.
Enterprise Ireland is an active member of the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Group with partners including the Local Authorities. The plan includes actions across the two South West counties, Cork and Kerry.
Enterprise Ireland continues to support its client companies to achieve employment growth. In 2024 total employment in supported companies reached 234,454. This represents a 3% increase from the previous year, with 15,741 new jobs created. Notably, 64% of these new jobs were based outside the Dublin region, highlighting the agency’s commitment to fostering regional development.
The regional impact of Enterprise Ireland’s efforts is evident in the distribution of job growth across all nine regions, each recording positive employment figures. This focus on regional development not only boosts local economies but also ensures a more balanced economic growth across the country. Enterprise Ireland’s strategy of supporting ambitious, globally focused Irish companies continues to drive job creation and economic resilience, particularly in areas outside the capital.
