Over 600 new jobs announced in one day as Govt moves towards meeting target of 40,000 jobs in 2015 – Corcoran Kennedy

“Today alone (Monday 23^rd Feb), 660 new jobs were announced, bringing employment to Dublin, Athenry and nationwide through the ESB. This brings the Government one step closer to meeting the target of creating 40,000 new jobs in 2015”, says Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee.

“Apple is to create 300 jobs in Athenry as the result of an €850 million investment in a new data centre which will be the company’s largest in Europe.

“In addition the ESB has confirmed that they are to train 300 apprentices over 5 years in their main training centre in Portlaoise. These trainees will go on to work nationwide where their skills are needed.

“And finally, Horizon Pharma, has today (Monday) announced the creation of 60 jobs in Dublin. Horizon Pharma plc is a specialty biopharmaceutical company who develop, acquire and commercialise differentiated products that address unmet medical needs.

“The Government has set an ambitious target of creating 40,000 jobs in 2015 and of reaching full employment by 2018, two years ahead of schedule. Today’s announcement makes a significant contribution to reaching this target.

“The Regional Enterprise strategy which was launched this month by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, outlines the Government’s focus on providing jobs and opportunities in all regions of the country. I am particularly pleased to see that 600 of the 660 jobs announced today are to be located in regional Ireland.

“Unemployment is falling in all regions of the country but more jobs are needed in regional and rural Ireland. More jobs like those announced today and with the support of the Regional Enterprise Strategies individual bespoke action plans, I expect more good news is on the way throughout the year as local business and entrepreneurs are empowered to set up and to grow.”