Asked about its commitment to Roscommon, the IDA said it will continue to market County Roscommon and “the wider West Region” as a location for Foreign Direct Investment.
The IDA pointed out that 27,695 people are employed in 120 client companies in the West Region.
The statement continues: “However, it’s important to note that Ireland is a small country competing globally for investment. As countries seek investment to drive their recoveries, it has further intensified what was already fierce competition to win FDI investment. Companies that are investing into our regions are interested in talent, track record, infrastructure, access and connectivity, proximity to third-level educational institutes – they are not taking decisions based on county boundaries”.
The IDA says there are currently 10 IDA Ireland supported client companies in Co. Roscommon, employing about 1,300 people between them. It says IDA continues to work closely with its existing client base and reminds our readers that in December 2020, Harmac Medical Products announced a major investment in its Castlerea facility, as it accelerates the manufacturing of surgical masks and non-invasive ventilation products. The IDA said that this resulted in the creation of 60 new roles and that the project was and is supported by IDA Ireland.
The IDA statement continued: “Many people residing in Co. Roscommon are employed by multinational companies in Roscommon, Athlone, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and further afield. This talent pool is marketed to potential new investors as part of IDA Ireland’s efforts to attract further investment into Co. Roscommon”.
The IDA added: “In partnership with Roscommon County Council and Grow Remote, IDA Ireland hosted a Remote Working event in Roscommon town in March 2020 (pre-Covid-19 restrictions). The event highlighted the remote working opportunities available in Roscommon and included speakers from IDA Ireland and one of IDA’s client companies, Shopify, who have a fully remote team in Ireland with a number of employees in Roscommon”.
Seven site visits in three years
Responding to the Roscommon People, the IDA addressed the issue of site visits (by prospective investors) to Roscommon, as organised by the State agency.
In 2020, IDA Ireland coordinated one E-site visit to Roscommon. In 2019 IDA Ireland coordinated three visits to Roscommon, and in 2018 IDA Ireland coordinated three visits to the county.
The IDA added: “IDA Ireland continues to collaborate with key stakeholders in Roscommon and the West to ensure that the region is marketing effectively from a place-making perspective in the current virtual environment. All local stakeholders have an important role to play in making Roscommon and the West Region as attractive as possible”.
