Small Kilkenny companies can expect to benefit from an ambitious new five-year Government strategy focussing on job creation, according Deputy John McGuinness.
The strategy launched this week aims to attract a further 780 firms to Ireland through the IDA, as well as boosting tourism numbers by 33 per cent, to reach eight million by 2015, and increase the value of Irish exports by one third.
A new Foreign Trade Council will be set up specifically to implement the strategy, working to find new markets for Kilkenny businesses and other Irish products in places such as China, India, and Brazil.
“Despite the economic slowdown in Ireland, we are continuing to punch above our weight in attracting foreign and direct investment,” the Kilkenny Fianna Fail TD said.
“Kilkenny with its young, educated, population, and good transport links, is ideally placed to benefit.
“I firmly believe our recovery will be export-led and that is why the Government is putting record levels of investment into the enterprise sector to stimulate the economy and create jobs so that we can return to economic growth.
“I am confident that Kilkenny firms will benefit.”
The strategy aims to create 300,000 jobs over the next five years, with the trade council working with Irish embassies abroad to develop more opportunities for Irish businesses.
Deputy McGuinness also welcomed the launch of a €500 million Government investment fund which had the potential to deliver another jobs boost to Kilkenny.
The Innovation Fund Ireland will support enterprise and create jobs if global venture capitalists invest in innovative small and medium-sized firms in Ireland.
“The fund will work by partnering with Government to back high potential firms with collateral to help them to grow into major employees,” he said.
The fund will be managed by Enterprise Ireland and the National Pensions Reserve Fund, and the deadline for expressions of interest in Irish companies is November 26.
“Creating and sustaining jobs as our economy recovers is a priority for this Government,” Deputy McGuinness said.
“This fund is the latest practical measure and I look forward to seeing the positive effects on the ground in Kilkenny.”
