81 new jobs at Lakeland and 180 construction jobs shows recovery is spreading – O’Reilly

Fine Gael TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Joe O’Reilly said today (Monday) that a €36 million investment by Lakeland Dairies in its Bailieboro plant that will create 81 new jobs and up to 180 construction jobs demonstrates the recovery is spreading across Ireland.

“News that Lakeland Dairies is to invest €36 million in its milk powder processing plan here in Bailieboro is very welcome. The investment will create 81 new jobs and up to 180 construction jobs in the town. Construction will begin immediately.

“This is a great boost for Cavan. At the heart of the Government’s jobs plan is strong support for Irish enterprise alongside the strong multinational sector. Investment by Irish businesses like Lakeland Dairies and has a massive knock-on impact on the local economy, through construction, supply and service businesses.

“Ireland’s food industry offers massive potential for regional employment, which is a major focus of the Government’s 2015 Action Plan for Jobs.  The removal of milk quotas later this year offers huge opportunities that we intend to make the most of.

“The Government has made jobs its number one priority and has targeted 40,000 new jobs across the country this year, with a particular focus on the regions. It is our ambition to achieve full employment by 2018, two years ahead of target.

“Over 80,000 new jobs have been created since the launch of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs in 2012.

“The reason we are implementing our plan to grow the economy, create jobs and reduce unemployment is to ensure that everyone feels the benefits of recovery and so we can ultimately create a better country.

“Fine Gael wants to make sure work pays.  This year all workers, including the self-employed, will see more in their pay packet thanks to cuts in income taxes introduced by the Government, with the biggest relative benefits for low and middle income workers. We will repeat these tax and USC cuts in the in the coming years.”