This article is from page 59 of the 2009-01-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 59 JPG
THE recent devastating job cuts an- nounced by Dell in Limerick will be brought into sharp focus in a com- prehensive economic strategy docu- ment currently being prepared in the mid-west region.
The Mid-West Regional Author- ity (MWRA), in conjunction with Shannon Development, Forfas, other regional agencies, the wider business community and Local Government, is preparing the Regional Economic Strategy for the Mid West.
According to Mr. Liam Conneally, Director of the MWRA, “The strat- egy document will provide a policy platform for the region’s economic development over the next decade and how it can position itself higher up the economic value chain. It is designed to inform and guide other agencies in jobs creation initiatives in the Limerick/Shannon gateway and wider mid-west region.”
Meanwhile, Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Develop- ment, said that “immediately, and over the medium term, we will be doing everything we can to enable Limerick and the regional economy recover from this severe blow”.
“These job losses will have a se- vere impact on the economy of this region. Shannon Development, as the regional development agency, will work with Dell and with the IDA and other relevant agencies and bodies, to assist in every way we can
in developing alternative options.” he Se nLGe
Meanwhile, Industrial Develop- ment Agency Chief Executive Barry O’Leary has downplayed Defence Minister Willie O’Dea’s claims that there could be 750 new Dell jobs in the company’s Limerick plant, say- ing it was “wrong to speculate about numbers. Minister O’Dea had said
the IDA was talking to Dell, and came up with a plan for a bid to cre- ate 750 jobs at the plant. We’re in dis- cussions with Dell about the Raheen facility.” he said.
And IBEC in the mid-west has called for the launch of a “business viability fund” to support enterprises exposed to the sterling currency cri- sis and worsening credit conditions.
“As the country’s largest exporter and the region’s largest employer, the decision to scale back operations comes as a hammer blow ,’ said IBEC Regional President Dr Maria
Hinfelaar.