PayPal announcement proves increased regional focus delivers new employment – Calleary

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Dara Calleary has welcomed today’s announcement that 400 jobs are being created in Dundalk by PayPal.

Deputy Calleary praised the focus the IDA has brought to the North East and said it is proof of the real impact that can be had when a specific effort is brought to a region by promoting it as a major investment opportunity.

Deputy Calleary said: “Today’s announcement is extremely positive news for Dundalk and the North East.  The extra 400 jobs coming on stream over the next four years will take PayPal’s workforce close to 3,000 at its European operations base in Louth.

“Ireland is really proving itself as a main player with Contact Centre jobs.  Other major employers include Eishtec in Waterford and Abtran in Cork.  The growth of PayPal in Dundalk has made the town a hub for the contact services sector and this is very welcome.  But it’s important to remember that this didn’t happen by accident.  The IDA has put significant time and effort into promoting the North East to potential investors.  This consistent focus has paid off and this model needs to be used in other regions.  There is a real two-tier recovery taking place in the economy and we need balanced regional investment to combat this.

“I think one of the main challenges going forward will be to ensure we have an education and training system in place that delivers the workforce needed to retain these jobs in the long-term.  This will require investment and co-operation with institutes like Dundalk IT.  It will be essential for us to grow our educational base, particularly in key languages, to build the workforce needed to support Contact Service jobs in the years ahead.  I will be raising this issue with Minister Bruton but I believe we will need a cross-departmental approach involving the Department of Education and Skills.”