IDA report shows up new projects for Sligo
THE western region has ranked third in the IDA’s figures for job creation in 2018.
With Dublin topping the table with the creation of 96,760 jobs in IDA client companies, the west showed an increase of 25,968 in the workforce among its clients last year. Investment and expansion among companies in Sligo were heavily cited in the recent release with the likes of AbbVie and Overstock. com’s future plans detailed.
Last year AbbVie announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility with a €139 million investment and the creation of 100 jobs. Overstock. com, Inc, the e-commerce and technology leader announced plans to expand its European base in Sligo creating 100 new research and development roles and more than tripling the office’s current workforce.
The new full-time positions will include junior and senior roles in areas such as software development and testing, machine learning, and data analytics.
While Phibro Animal Health Corporation announced plans to establish a biotech facility producing a range of innovative animal health vaccines at the IDA Finisklin Business Park, creating up to 150 jobs over 5 years.
The report cited that currently 58% of employment is now outside Dublin, as of last year, the highest number of people employed by IDA clients outside the capital in the history of the organisation. Commenting of the report, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innova- tion, Heather Humphreys said, “I particularly welcome the gains made in deepening and growing investment outside of Ireland’s main cities, with the largest regional employment growth achieved in 17 years.”
Though last year’s growth figures were positive, CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan said Ireland could take ‘nothing for granted’.
“It is important to remember that only ten years ago, across 2008 and 2009, Ireland lost over 35,000 FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) jobs during the Global Financial Crisis. This is a salutary reminder that we can take nothing for granted and we need to be vigilant, particularly in relation to our competitiveness. All jobs are fought for and won against increasing international competition,” said the CEO.