Deputy Charlie McConalogue has accused the government and the IDA of failing to attract new business to the county.
Deputy McConalogue raised the matter directly with Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation Heather Humphreys in the Dáil this week.
She confirmed that there have been just 3 new IDA investments in the county over the last 10 years.
Deputy McConalogue said “It is quite clear from the record of the companies that have chosen to locate in our county, that Donegal is a fantastic place to do business. Firms like Pramerica, SITA, Optum, Philips Medisize and Zeus have all expanded their operations in recent years and are continuing to grow”, said Deputy McConalogue.
“We have a fantastically skilled workforce, but as well as that, we have a talented diaspora, who have either relocated in other parts of the country, or have emigrated, and now want to return home. Unfortunately, they will be prevented from doing so because no new businesses are being incentivised to locate in Donegal.
The number of people employed in IDA client companies in Co. Donegal was 3,389 at the end of 2017, up from 2,223 at the end of 2012.
The Fianna Fail TD added “The government should not be sitting back and relying on the success of existing IDA client companies for employment opportunities. It needs to refocus its efforts and actively engage with new multinationals to ensure greater investment in Donegal.
“It is clear that Donegal is a fantastic place to do business and this must be recognised by the government and the IDA.”
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