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Call for IDA to base full-time staff member in Tralee

Sep 17, 2020 09:20 By radiokerrynews
Call for IDA to base full-time staff member in Tralee
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There's a call for the IDA to have a full-time member of staff based in Tralee. Fine Gael Cllr Jim Finucane made the

There's a call for the IDA to have a full-time member of staff based in Tralee.

Fine Gael Cllr Jim Finucane made the plea at the Tralee Municipal District meeting, where he said there's a lack of clarity by the agency, which is charged with attracting foreign investment.

The IDA completed the development of a multi-million-euro advanced technology building at the Kerry Technology Park, Tralee in March 2017, but it's been idle since.

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In December 2018, UK company Central Pharma said it was establishing a packaging and supply centre at that facility, creating 150 jobs over five years, but the IDA announced in January this year that these plans were delayed.

Fine Gael Cllr Jim Finucane says there's a lack of clarity by the IDA and he wants a full-time IDA official based in Tralee to get business into the county town.

He says the region is seeping jobs, and unless the attitude of the IDA changes, nothing will happen.

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Mayor of Tralee Terry O'Brien said he personally feels let down, and that Tralee hasn't had a fair share of viewings by IDA clients.

He also noted the closure of several businesses in the county town in recent months - Brookfield College, Mothercare, BorgWarner, and Debenhams.

The Mayor has called on BorgWarner and Debenhams to think about the staff that worked with them for years and to give them a fair package.

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Director of Services for Economic and Community Development with Kerry County Council, Michael Scannell said there's obviously huge disappointment with the recent job losses and it's going to be challenging to find alternatives.

He said both he and the council's chief executive have met with the IDA, which has agreed to be part of the Kerry Economic Stakeholder Forum.

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