Tag Archives: IDA

News

No In-Person IDA Visits To Kerry Sites In First Three Months Of 2022

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Deputy Pa Daly.

SINN Féin Kerry Deputy Pa Daly says the IDA needs to do better for the county after it was revealed there was no in-person visit to a Kerry site by the IDA in the first quarter of 2022.

Deputy Daly said earlier this year he called for action from both the IDA and the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce.

“The taskforce has now at least met for the first time but there is room for improvement. The data released by the Department of Enterprise demonstrates that firstly there were no in person visits to sites in Kerry by the IDA in Q1 of 2022,” he said.

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“There were 10 virtual site visits in this time period, although this was technically one visit by a group of 10 companies to Kerry, Limerick and Dublin. Secondly there is a chasm between Kerry and other counties on the Western seaboard in relation to the number of jobs the IDA have assisted in creating.”

“Kerry ranks the lowest of these counties in total employment in IDA Ireland supported companies. This simply isn’t good enough and the economic disparities within the county are pronounced as well.”

“Owing to the high degree of peripherality in Kerry, economic subsidy and government intervention is required. A programme of investment in infrastructure, education and technology would mean the county is not left to the whims of the marketplace.

“Existing economic activity around tourism and food is highly precarious, as the pandemic demonstrated. Kerry must be ready for any coming economic shock and the IDA have a central role to play,” he concluded.

News

Deputy Daly Criticises Lack Of IDA Visits To Kerry

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Deputy Pa Daly.

SINN Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has sharply criticised the lack of IDA visits to Kerry over the last number of years.

He also wants to know why, COVID restrictions withstanding, why there was just one visit to Kerry in 2020 while neighbouring counties saw 15 or 16 visits.

Deputy Daly said: “I asked Minister Varadkar recently about the number of IDA visits to Kerry since 2016, including the year to date in 2020. Kerry is severely neglected compared to other counties, with a total IDA visits of 28 over the past four years and only one year-to-date in 2020.”

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“While a reduced number of visits in 2020 could be expected due to Covid-19, this sole visit in 2020 contrasts with 18 in Limerick, 16 in Galway and 15 in Clare for the same time period. Counties like Kerry and Donegal are habitually ignored.

“This needs to change going forward as Covid-19 has shown us all too clearly that Kerry’s reliance on a tourism economy cannot be guaranteed. I will be asking for Minister Varadkar for his co-operation in ensuring Kerry is not  left behind in future.”

Business/Property, News

Call To Establish Full-Time, Tralee-Based IDA Officer To Serve Kerry

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TRALEE Municipal District councillors are requesting a meeting with the IDA with a view to establishing a full-time officer for the Kerry area.

Speaking at the meeting of Tralee MD on Monday, Cllr Jim Finucane (FG) said the recent situation with Borg Warner and Debenhams has highlighted the need to bring jobs into the county and said clarity is also needed on the advanced manufacturing facility at Kerry Technology Park.

He said he wanted to see an IDA office established in Tralee with a full-time official to deal with any potential opportunities to bring companies to Kerry.

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Cllr Johnnie Wall (FF) supported Cllr Finucane on the matter. He said the IDA has been a waste of time for Kerry and it’s the last place in the country that the IDA bring companies to visit.

Cllr Deirdre Ferris (SF) said we need to be more circumspect about the type of companies that set up in Kerry.  She referred to the recent situation with Debenhams whom she said left the employees “high and dry” and walked away from their responsibilities and to Borg Warner who are in dispute with workers about redundancy payments.

Mayor of Tralee Terry O’Brien said he had personally felt let down by the IDA. He said the Council had to do something about job creation as the town had so much offer companies.

Tralee Municipal District Manager, Michael Scannell, said the recent loss of jobs in the town was hugely disappointing.

He said the Chief Executive of KCC, Moira Morrell had met the IDA in the past few weeks and they have agreed to attend regular meetings with various stakeholders, including councillors, Enterprise Ireland and representatives from leading businesses within the county, to look at the economic sector in Kerry with a view to progressing the possibilities for investment in the county.

Business/Property, News

Brassil Wants Clarification On IDA Facility At Kerry Technology Park

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Deputy John Brassil.

KERRY TD and election candidate John Brassil wants clarification on the situation at the IDA facility at Kerry Technology Park.

The Fianna Fáil TD has also called on the IDA to appoint a senior executive with sole responsibility for Kerry to attract more foreign direct investment into the county.

Speaking as IDA figures show a growth of just 37% in IDA supported companies in the South West region compared with an 86% increase in the South East of the country, Brassil says that Kerry is depending on scraps from the IDA table.

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He called for further clarification as to what is happening with the Central Pharma project in the Kerry Technology Park, a jobs announcement that was made by the IDA over 12 months ago, but has now been delayed.

“Kerry needs its own senior executive from the IDA with special responsibility for attracting companies and jobs to Kerry. Dublin is overheating at the expense of counties like Kerry. Unbalanced economic growth has been allowed to develop resulting in two separate economies on the one island.

“What we are seeing is a two tier recovery. We need to send a clear message to Fine Gael that Ireland doesn’t end at the Red Cow roundabout. Kerry is not seeing the same benefits as the East of the Country. That is clearly spelt out in the IDAs own figures.

“Some 40% of Ireland’s population live in the greater Dublin area. This is a dangerous trend for the future economic growth of the country as a whole.

“The presence of large multinational companies like Kerry Group, DairyMaster, JRI, Aspen Grove and Fexco show that Kerry is perfectly poised to become a powerhouse of job creation, culture and growth. We need a new focus from the IDA and the Kerry business and political community need to come together to exert this pressure on the IDA,” he said.

Business/Property, News

Company Delays Plans To Set Up At IDA Advanced Technology Facility In Tralee

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Minister Brendan Griffin with CEO of Central Pharma Alwyn Smit and Martin Shanahan IDA pictured in December 2018 at the IDA plant in Dromtacker where they announced company would be setting up in Tralee. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE UK-based company which announced in 2018 that it would set up a centre in Tralee creating over 100 jobs has now delayed their plans.

Representatives from Central Pharma arrived in December 2018 to the IDA Advanced Technology Building at Kerry Technology Park to make the announcement of jobs in the company of Minister Brendan Griffin and IDA CEO Martin Shanahan.

Over a year later, there is no sign of the contract packaging and supply centre opening and the company has recently informed the IDA that they have delayed their plans.

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The IDA say they will continue to work with the company to ensure the project goes ahead and described the delay as disappointing.

Central Pharma is a privately owned company with its headquarters in Bedford and is a leading outsource partner to the world’s top pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies.

Business/Property

IDA Boss To Speak At Bank Of Ireland Event For SMEs In Tralee

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IDA boss Martin Shanahan.

AS part of Bank of Ireland’s 17th National Enterprise Week from November 17-24, an event will take place in the Rose Hotel on Friday, November 24 aimed at SMEs.

The event entitled “FDI Investment in Kerry takes place  from 2.30pm–4pm. Guest speaker Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA will discuss the opportunities for foreign direct investment within Ireland and Kerry and the current market conditions.

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Speaking about the 17th National Enterprise Week, Frank Shaw, Head of Bank of Ireland in Kerry, said; “Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprise Week programme aims to help small to medium sized businesses throughout the country grow their opportunities. Foreign direct investment is very important to businesses in Kerry and this event has been specifically designed to bring together experts who are experienced in supporting business growth and who can deliver valuable information and forecast trends to drive further development for Kerry-based SMEs. Businesses will also have the chance to connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs and showcase their products and services. I would encourage SMEs across the country to get involved in the many events taking place from 17 to 24 November”.

This event is free to attend however due to demand it is recommended that people book in advance. For more information about Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprise Week and to reserve a space click here.

Business/Property, News

WATCH: IDA’s Tralee Facility Launched As Video Shows Kerry’s Attractions

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The launch of the IDA Advanced Technology Building at Kerry Technology Park on Monday.

IDA Ireland has made a video (see below) showing all that Kerry has to offer in the hope of attracting foreign direct investment to the county to create jobs.

It comes as An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD with Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland  launched IDA’s new Advance Technology Building (ATB) in the Kerry Technology Park at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday.

The Advance Technology building is designed to provide high quality production and office accommodation, which will be suitable for future technology or life sciences projects.

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Speaking at the ceremony Taoiseach Enda Kenny said;  “The Government’s focus is to expand economic development across the country and into the regions. That is why we are investing resources in towns like Tralee. .”

IDA Ireland’s CEO Martin Shanahan said: “The availability of high quality property solutions is a key component in winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects.  IDA has a particular focus on regional job creation and this new Advance Technology Building will advance that aim in this region. Today, our new marketing tool – ‘Invest in Kerry’  – which highlights the key attributes of Kerry as a location for investment, will go live.”

The video features stunning Kerry scenery and showcases all the great reasons for living in the county. Companies featured in the video include Dairymaster, Fexco, Borg Warner, Liebherr and more. Check out the Invest in Kerry website here and watch the video below…

Business/Property, News

Contractor Appointed To Build IDA’s Advance Technology Building In Tralee

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Declan & Triona Costello, Managing Directors and Paul Lynch, engineer of Costello Building Contractors, discussing IDA’s new Advance Technology Building on site in Kerry Technology Park, with Martin Shanahan IDA CEO.

A CONTRACTOR  has been appointed to construct IDA Ireland’s new Advance Technology Building (ATB) in Tralee.

Contracts were signed in recent days allowing Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd. to proceed to construct the c.2,322m 2 building on a c.1.0 hectare site at Kerry Technology Park (KTP).

IDA has agreed terms with Shannon Commercial Properties for the acquisition of the site. Building work will commence shortly and the building is expected to be constructed in nine months.

The site was chosen as a suitable location for the Advance Technology Building given its proximity to the Institute of Technology, Tralee and the existing companies based in the Park.

Welcoming the appointment of the contractor, IDA’s CEO Martin Shanahan said: “I am very pleased to see this project advancing. The availability of high quality property solutions is a key component in winning Foreign Direct Investment projects. IDA has a particular focus on regional job creation and this new ATB will advance that aim in this region.”

The building will include c854m 2 ancillary office space over two floors and c.1,468m 2 of high-tech manufacturing space – in line with the current needs of FDI client companies.

The facility has been designed to be capable of 100% expansion to meet future client growth requirements. It has also been designed to achieve LEED CS accreditation in line with IDA’s sustainability focus.

News

Planning Granted For IDA’s €20m Facility At Kerry Technology Park

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rsz_kerry-technology-park-traleePLANNING permission has been granted for the €20m advanced manufacturing facility at Kerry Technology Park, Dromtacker.

The planned facility was announced in February last year by the IDA as part of a €200m programme for rural towns around the country.

The planning application was lodged with Kerry County Council on December 23 sat year for a purpose-designed 25,000 square foot facility with the aim of giving Tralee a state-of-the-art, turnkey property solution that will greatly assist with IDA’s efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment here.

It will be a 2,543 square metre building including office facilities, carparking, signage and all associated site works including two vehicular entrances to serve entire facility.

There is now a four week period for appeals to be lodged.

Business/Property, News

IDA Commits To Building Facility In Tralee To Attract Multi-National Client

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Kerry Technology Park
Kerry Technology Park

THE IDA will lodge a planning application with the Council by the end of the year for a multi million euro advance factory facility in Kerry Technology Park.

At this point, no company has been lined up to use the facility, but it’s hoped the development will give Tralee a fighting chance of attracting multi-national companies to create hundreds of new jobs for the town.

It is expected that construction on the 25,000 sq ft building will be completed by the end of 2016 and create 70 construction jobs in the process.

The venture is part of a €150 million IDA regional investment plan which hopes to boost the economies of towns around the country.

Though the building is still at the design stages, the IDA will be focussing on companies working in engineering, life sciences and services sectors as potential clients.

Business/Property, News

IDA Chief To Give Business Talk In Tralee This Friday

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Martin Shanahan
IDA CEO Martin Shanahan will be speaking in Tralee on Friday.

THE CEO of the IDA will be speaking to members of the local business community in town later this week in the Imperial Hotel on Denny Street at 1pm on Friday, July 3.

The Abbeydorney native will talk at lunchtime meeting that has been organised by the Tralee Chamber Alliance and is free of charge for all members of the alliance.

Mr Shanahan will be giving a presentation to those present after lunch, followed by a Q & A session.

It costs non-members of the alliance €10 to attend on the day, with booking essential to ensure a place.

To make sure of your place at the event, please send an email to simon@tralee.ie.

News

Tralee Gets Major Multi-Million Euro Boost For Jobs

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DJEI_Web banner_423x175px_2014_LIVE TYPETRALEE is to get a major boost with an estimated €20m investment in a new advanced manufacturing facility at the Kerry Technology Park.

The plans were announced at a press conference in Dublin of the Government’s €250m Regional Action Plan For Jobs.

A new 25,000 sq ft property will be built at the Kerry Technology Park to attract a major industry, according to Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

“It will be a building suitable for pharmaceutical or medical technology or high value manufacturing,” said Minister Jimmy Deenihan on the Radio Kerry’s ‘Kerry Today’ programme this morning.

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There will be meetings with ITT, Kerry County Council and local organisations to formulate a plan for the facility.

“We have to get the agencies within the town to collaborate and put a proposal together, to look at our core competencies and our skill-set to look at what we want to do,” said Deputy Arthur Spring, speaking on Radio Kerry this morning.

Tralee, Castlebar and Sligo are the towns targeted for investment this year as part of the Action Plan For Jobs.

We’ll have more details later.

News

Cllr Ferris Slams Gateway Scheme As SF Calls For IDA To Attend Council Meeting

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Cllr Toireasa Ferris.

SINN Féin councillors in Kerry are calling on representatives from Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to attend its next council meeting to discuss the need for  job creation for the county.

The motion to be tabled by Cllr Robert Beasley at Monday’s meeting of Kerry County Council.

“Of the 46 jobs that were advertised in the Tralee area since August 21 on Jobsireland.ie, 35 were made up of internships (14), CE schemes (12), or part time jobs (6),” said Sinn Féin council group leader in Kerry Cllr Toiréasa Ferris.

“Of the 11 real jobs advertised, three were minimum wage, one had a salary of €30k, one of €18k and others didn’t specify,” she said.

Cllr Ferris was highly critical of the Gateway scheme and how it applied to Kerry County Council.

“Gateway is advertised as offering ‘short term work and training opportunities’ for long term unemployed and selection for the scheme is supposed to be random,” Cllr Ferris continued.

“If this were true then why, of the 35 placements in Kerry County Council, are all participants male and engaged in outdoor operations only.”

“Gateway, like JobBridge should be scrapped and replaced with a meaningful internship programme that offers real and viable job opportunities to people,” said the Sinn Fein councillor.