Anger over lack of IDA jobs delivered in Thurles

Thurles councillors have expressed their anger and disappointment at a lack of foreign direct investment in Thurles.
Their comments follow a presentation by the IDA at this week’s full sitting of Tipperary County Council.

Thurles councillor Seamus Hanafin said he believes despite the IDA’s work, nothing has changed for Thurles.

He said in 2013, there were less than 300 FDI jobs in north Tipperary and more than 3,000 in south Tipperary.

He said notwithstanding the IDA’s success in Tipperary, he found it 'hugely disappointing' that not one of the FDI jobs are in Thurles.

The councillor criticised the IDA’s promotion of Thurles saying in the whole presentation, the town was not mentioned once. “I suggest that hasn’t changed in ten years,” said Cllr Hanafin.

Cllr Hanafin said he doesn’t understand why this is; because Thurles has all the factors the investors look for, including two universities. Cllr Sean Ryan echoed Cllr Hanafin’s frustration.

He said Thurles had a rich history of manufacturing, with his family having worked in the industry.

“These companies made Thurles,” said Cllr Ryan.

He said Thurles has everything IDA said is needed for investment.

“What do we need to do to work with the IDA to bring FDI jobs to Thurles,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Jim Ryan said he had been on the council since 1999, and in that time, Thurles had lost investment, not gained it. He said he was disappointed with the IDA’s record in north Tipperary.

“As a Thurles councillor, I would say the IDA’s record in Thurles is an utmost failure,” said Cllr Ryan.

COLLECTION OF TOWNS

Two representatives from the IDA were present at the meeting to take the councillors’ questions.

They said they acknowledge the councillors’ comments and their dedication to their constituencies but countered that isn’t how investment works.

The IDA representatives said they market regions not towns. Thurles is part of a wider “collection of towns”, which is what global investors want to see.

“In order for us to get on a shortlist, we must combine geographies and represent the region as a whole. To get jobs we have to look at the big picture,” said the IDA representative.

They said foreign investors are looking for a few things that can be grouped together as a catchment area, business ecosystems, infrastructure and capacity.

They said it was important to note that job growth in Tipperary from FDI was up 35%. That means 4,568 jobs from direct investment and 3,645 from indirect or a “spill-over/spin-off effect”.

They also said there were more diverse jobs in Tipperary, citing the growth of financial services in the county.

“That is something you couldn’t say ten years ago,” said the IDA representative. Additionally, they said that investment in Tipperary benefits the whole county, not just the town the plant is based in.

Councillor Phyll Bulger illustrated the importance of the spin-off effect, thanking the IDA for their work in promoting Limerick.

The Ballina councillor said because of the growth of industry in the neighbouring county, people from Limerick are coming to Ballina and supporting the town’s businesses.

“I know it’s a spin-off from Limerick, but I don’t really care,” said Cllr Bulger.