Over 2,000 jobs to be created by Glanbia development at Belview Port – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, today (Tuesday) said news that more than 2,000 jobs are to be created by Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited (GIIL) through the development of a world-class dairy facility in Belview on the Waterford/Kilkenny border will act as a stimulus to the entire region, providing much needed jobs both directly and indirectly.

Deputy Coffey went on to say that Government support, in the form of Enterprise Ireland grant assistance, will provide 1,600 direct and indirect jobs at the site, as well as an additional 450 jobs created during the construction phase.

“Last year, Glanbia announced plans to expand significantly at Belview Port and planning permission was granted for the project on IDA lands in February of this year. The site at Belview Port has long be recognised as a strategic development site for the entire South East, with the potential to create jobs and provide vital services, regionally, nationally and internationally. This investment will be worth an estimated €400 million per annum to the economy with particular benefit to rural communities.

“This news today underpins the commitment to progress this site in order to provide sustainable jobs in critical sectors in our economy. The 2,000 jobs that will be created over the next five years will include the construction of the Glanbia site, the employment of staff to develop and deliver services at the plant and additional work for outside contractors. Construction is due to start on the 17th May and the facility is expected to be operational by 2015.

“Today’s news is a further step in the right direction for Waterford and the South East region and I want to commend all the stakeholders at Glanbia and Enterprise Ireland for showing their ambition to expand and support jobs in the region. This news follows on from other recent significant announcements in the Waterford and the South East, such as NYPRO and the development of Eistech into the fastest growing Enterprise Ireland-supported company in the region.

“This project will be a major boost to the regional economy, and it must not be forgotten that the Belivew Port area was identified in South East Action Plan by ForFás after the closure of Talk Talk in Waterford city in 2010. This plan was much maligned at the time of its publication, however, we are now seeing real supports in place for the advancement of this site in a bid to address unemployment in the South East by getting our people back to work.”