Louth Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Kirk has sought assurances from the Minister for Enterprise that steps are being taken to create jobs in Louth.

“I used one of the first parliamentary questions put before the new Minister for Enterprise, Richard Bruton, to ask about job creation for Louth.”

“I am happy to see that the Minister intends to continue Fianna Fáil’s policy of achieving economic growth by promoting Ireland’s export potential and driving the Smart Economy.”

“The Minister has said that the allocation of €508 million in funding for 2011 will ensure that the core programmes of the enterprise agencies are sustained and targeted as well as driving investment in research and development.”

“In 2010 Enterprise Ireland paid €6.4 million to companies in Co. Louth in the Engineering, Food, Consumer Products and ICT sectors. There are currently 181 companies being assisted Enterprise Ireland in Louth accounting for 4,200 people. There are also supports from the IDA who continue to market Louth and from the County Enterprise Board who support local start-up businesses.”

“However, unemployment is high in Louth and there are many young families in particular who bought homes in recent years to be within the commuter belt from Dublin are under severe financial pressures as a result of job loss.”

“Despite the fact that three out of the five TDs are Government deputies, Louth was snubbed with senior Ministerial positions. I hope that this will not be a disadvantage for job creation in Louth and that other locations will not be favoured for investment and jobs. I am encouraged that the supports for job seekers and job creators in Louth put in place by the previous Government are now to be continued by this Government but I will be monitoring the situation to ensure that every possible support is given to Louth,” concluded Deputy Kirk.