May I ask, have IDA personnel visited Leitrim in 2022? We
urgently need employment opportunities to keep our young people in
Leitrim.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Enda Stenson;
"May I ask, have IDA personnel visited Leitrim in 2022? We urgently need employment opportunities to keep our young people in Leitrim."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"The Council can confirm that IDA personnel have visited Leitrim this year already. The Council engages on an ongoing basis with the IDA in regard to the potential of securing foreign direct investment. The IDA are fully familiar with all property solutions in the County including both established buildings and opportunity sites including being planning ready. The IDA also continues to work closely with the existing IDA supported companies in the County where employment has grown by 9% in the last year, well ahead of the region's average. In addition to focusing on supporting the growth of the existing companies ongoing and active support is provided in training, upskilling, research and development, future proofing, and sustainability measures. The potential too for remote working is also recognised and fully supported by the IDA as part of their suite of initiatives. Finally, national policy now determines that 50% of FDI created employment is focused on the regions, notwithstanding the difficulties experienced in securing investment decisions across many regions within a fiercely competitive marketplace, along with specific targets."
Councillor Enda Stenson welcomed the reply received in this regard.
Councillor Enda Stenson asked if IDA come to the county with intent or just to visit around the county.
Councillor Enda Stenson proposed that some multi-national company be brought into the county to bring jobs and provide opportunities for young people in Leitrim. Councillor Stenson acknowledged that the population of Leitrim has increased in the last census. Councillor Stenson said 98% of GAA players have to go to work at least 100 kms from the county. Cllr Stenson acknowledged that Leitrim has an excellent road and rail network, Knock Airport is in close proximity, and the availability of good quality commercial buildings.
Councillor Enda McGloin said the world has changed alot where we can get our employment. Most of employment in this county is not related to IDA and he noted that there are a lot of entrepreneurs in this county and most of the foreign investment goes to the East coast of this country.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said that many of our youth want to go away and travel.
Councillor Mary Bohan supported the motion and said this issue needs to be kept on the agenda. Councillor Bohan acknowledged that people want to move away, and she noted that not every location has proper broadband in the county.
Councillor Mary Bohan said more people must be encouraged to come back and to bring back their families as these are great resources for our county.
Councillor Justin Warnock supported the motion and he said we don’t have the infrastructure in place to bring in the jobs.
Councillor Thomas Mulligan proposed that the Enterprise office put in place a process to hold a meeting at least once a year with IDA and the Elected Members. Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Sean McGowan supported this.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly said Leitrim County Council engage on an ongoing basis with the IDA and many other agencies to equip the county for people who want to return to live in Leitrim. Leitrim County Council also engage on an ongoing basis with the IDA to secure potential foreign direct investment for the county and using the existing facilities of the locality and he pointed out that the investor makes the final decision.