A STRENGTHENING of the link between the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and local agencies has been credited with securing more than 750 jobs for Limerick over recent weeks.
And with the final touches being put to another announcement by a US firm, the jobs pipeline in in no danger of drying up.
Tech led businesses like Ortec Inc, WP Engine and Fazzi Healthcare Systems, have been joined by CASA Systems and this week Trusource Labs in creating high end jobs as the IDA’s promotional work in the United States continues to bear fruit.
Over the last number of weeks, US firms have credited the opening of an IDA branch office in Austin, Texas as being one of the key factors for selecting Ireland and Limerick as the preferred location for their European operations.
Other factors cited by company owners include ready access to a skilled workforce, educational resources and ease of travel through Shannon Airport. And, in a particularly welcome development, the city’s reputation as a safe and friendly place to live and work has also enhanced its attractiveness as a location for new investment.
With another US firm due to confirm a major local development in the coming week, Limerick is now at the top of the IDA’s list of preferred locations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
123 FDI companies are already based in the Mid West and this week, leading economist and University of Limerick lecturer Dr Stephen Kinsella said that the region is making serious gains and, in some cases, overtaking other parts of the country.
Competitive housing prices, affordable rents and an attractive work/life balance have proved to be significant factors in persuading US firms to select Limerick as a base for expanding their businesses.
The IDA is now involved in a recruitment drive to attract skilled workers to fill critical roles with the new companies and boost the region’s recovering economy.
