Minister Paul Kehoe and Wexford County Council have met senior figures from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland in a bid to drum up greater investment in Wexford and the South East.

Minister Kehoe, Council CEO Tom Enright and senior Economic Adviser Ed Murphy pressed on the two organisations the need to strengthen Wexford as a destination for business and job creation.

The Wexford delegation stressed the need for enhanced promotion of the region, stronger engagement, increased site visits and additional financial supports.

Speaking following the meetings in Government Buildings, Minister Kehoe said: “We know that there are a number of positives for businesses setting up in the county. These include the fact that office and staff costs are significantly cheaper compared to Dublin, while at the same time Wexford is only 1-2 hours proximity from the capital. The opening of new road facilities, including the Enniscorthy by-pass and the pending opening of the New Ross by-pass are also major positives.  

Enniscorthy Technology Park and Gorey -M11 Business Park were cited as ideal locations for companies to set up shop. During the discussions, the Wexford delegation stressed the need for enhanced promotion of the region, stronger engagement and additional supports. There were also discussions about the potential to increase the number of site visits to the county and the need to maximise grant funding.

“Both the IDA, including CEO Martin Shanahan and Enterprise Ireland, including CEO Julie Sinnamon, were extremely receptive to the views expressed by the delegation. It is the shared desire of all stakeholders to have better engagement with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland which in turn will help result in greater investment and employment for Wexford and the South East,” concluded Minister Kehoe.