Enterprise plan targets10,000 South Eastj obs

A new Regional Enterprise Plan which aims to bring 10,000 new jobs to the south-east by 2020 has been launched. Following on from the 2015 Action Plan for Jobs which has, thus far, created 22,000 jobs, the new plan aims to reduce the unemployment rate in the south-east to within at least one percentage point of the national average - currently it is over two percent higher.

And, according to Alan Quirke, Director at the Ireland South East Development Office (ISEDO), the plan will, ultimately, lead to a rejuvenation of Wexford and its surrounding areas. ‘ This is a good news story, we’re buidling a development engagement strategy, prioritising Rosslare Port, Waterford Airport, the Greenway between New Ross and Waterford. Then on the skills side, we’re taking a sectoral approach, focusing on the ICT sector, engineering. We want to attract people back to the region, people who may have moved to Dublin for work. The quality of life is here for them.’

THE Regional Enterprise Plan has identified five strategic objectives which will incorporate Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, and promote the region as a whole. It aims to build greater resilience in the south-east by increasing entrepreneurship and creating a ‘Smarter Region’ with support for the green economy; brand and market the south-east as a place of choice for investors and talented people; ensure the region speaks with one voice on issues relating to critical infrastructure; make the south-east a ‘ learning region’ which responds to the skills needs of businesses in the region; and develop tourism in the region through a south-east regional identity and a network of greenways, blueways and trails.

‘Nationally we’re a little bit hidden away, and internationally not many people know about Wexford at all,’ said Mr Quirke. ‘But if we can tell people we’re part of the south-east, part of an area which covers 580,000 people it will make a big difference.’

Frank O’Regan, Chair of the group which created the plan, said: “These targets are ambitious but a quick glance around the region shows the depth of economic activity already underway. There is so much innovative and ambitious business activity in the region and we need to maintain the positive activity of everyone involved in job creation The main focus of the group is on making the south-east the first choice location for business, careers, inward investment, and tourists.