Jobs boost for Limerick
Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has welcomed measures outlined in the Mid West Action Plan for Jobs, which aims to deliver 23,000 jobs to the region by 2020. This news capped a very positive day for the Mid West as pharmaceutical firm Regeneron announced plans to add 200 staff to its Limerick base.
Commenting on the Mid West Action Plan, Ibec Mid West Regional Director Mairead Crosby said: “The plan contains a range of actions which will help create much needed jobs in the Mid West and will deliver tangible benefits to the region. This has the potential to enable the Mid West region to begin a new phase of growth and development.
The Ibec Mid West Regional Director Mairead Crosby welcomed a number of measures in the plan including support for start-ups, assistance for existing companies to scale their business and establish new markets as well as the identification of specific growth targets for the tourism sector.
“The IDA is aiming for a 30-40% increase in projects and has set out plans to invest in a new advanced technology building in Limerick in 2017. This will ensure that the region is well placed to continue to compete with other locations and attract investment.
“The Mid West Regional skills forum will enable education providers and business to foster better links to support job creation. Two-way engagement between individual companies and education institutions on a regular basis at a regional level is needed to strengthen competitiveness in the region. Ibec welcomes the Budget 2016 allocation of €1m to support Regional Skills Fora across the country.”
Commenting on plans by Regeneron to expand its workforce by 200 staff, Ms Crosby said: “Today’s announcement by Regeneron to invest further in its Limerick plant is a tremendous boost for Limerick and the wider region. It represents an important vote of confidence for the Mid West. The investment by Regeneron will lead to many more jobs being created in sub supply companies and businesses right across the city and region.
“It is now vital that all stakeholders work together to implement the action plan for jobs for the region and create the best conditions for growth to continue in the Mid West.”