STUDY SETS TARGET OF 12,000 NEW JOBS FOR COUNTY LOUTH

April 2009

AN ‘ambitious but achievable’ target of creating 12,000 jobs in Louth between now and 2015 has been set by a major new economic study of the county.

The study, commissioned by Louth Local Authorities from Indecon International Economic Consultants, provides a blueprint for the newly formed Louth Economic Forum chaired by Padraic White, former managing director of IDA Ireland.

In addition to a countywide analysis and strategy running to over 300 pages, Indecon have also prepared specific proposals in respect of Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk with the overall population in the county and its economic hinterland projected to grow to almost 190,000 over the next six years.

While acknowledging that the strategy is emerging at a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty, Alan Gray, Managing Partner, Indecon, insists the plan is realistic and takes account of the marked slowdown in the Irish and global economy since 2007.

Speaking as the forum’s first meeting took place at Governor’s House in Drogheda, Mr White says he is confident that the public/private body can help drive Louth’s economic development agenda.

‘ The report from Indecon offers a roadmap of where the main opportunities are for economic development in Louth between now and 2015. The positive attitude shown by the forum members I’ve met, gives me every confidence that we can make real progress in advancing the economic development of Co Louth for the benefit of its people.’

Cllr Declan Breathnach, chairman, Louth County Council, remarks it is vital that the number of successful foreign and domestic owned businesses located in the county increases.

Conn Murray, Louth County Manager, adds, ‘ The strategy brought forward following what has been a very comprehensive process including active engagement with over 240 businesses in Louth sets out where the opportunities lie and how they can best be grasped’.

Aside from Mr White and Mr Murray, the members of the Louth Economic Forum are Patricia Rooney, Drogheda and District Chamber; Graham O’Rourke, Drogheda and District Chamber; Declan Murphy, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce; Bill Tosh, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce; Ronan Dennedy, Louth County Enterprise Board; Denis Cummins, Dundalk Institute of Technology;

Michael Curran, Louth County Council; Rosemary Sexton, Enterprise Ireland; Pat Doherty, IDA Ireland; Ray Kelly, FÁS; Declan Meally, Sustainable Energy Ireland; Oliver Dillon, Teagasc and John Kierans representing the business community in Ardee.

Meanwhile, Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has backed the forum.

He says the Indecon report ‘offers a clear analysis of the county’s strengths and potential’.

Mr Ahern says it is ‘particularly encouraging’ to see the forum chaired by Padraic White who he describes as ‘one of Ireland’s most experienced and effective business leaders and one of the chief architects of Irish economic growth over the last 30 years’.

‘ The forum is fortunate to have Padraic at the helm.’