The IDA needs to get involved when it comes to a Waterford pharmaceutical plant - according to a local Councillor.
Amgen based in the IDA's Butletstown Business Park in the city plans to move their production to Dublin, with staff notified last month.
The company completed its €26 billion takeover of Horizon Therapeutics in 2023 with plans to add 350 high-paid jobs to the city. However, the company is in the process of selling it's Waterford operation, with production moving to Dublin.
The decision has come as a blow to Waterford, with local Councillor Donal Barry raising his concerns at a recent Metropolitan Meeting of Waterford Council.
"In light of the recent unexpected announcement by Amgen to sell their plant in Waterford at their intention to move their production to a Dublin facility, this is bad news for the hundred employees if a buyer is not found. The company was expected to create another 350 jobs locally.
"I am requesting the Director of Services with the Council to do all he and his department can to support finding a buyer and to use as much publicity as they can to retain the jobs there.
"I am questioning also, why production is leaving Waterford and not the opposite way. Why did they not bring production to Waterford and give us the 350 jobs?
"I think we are going to see more of this if we do not look into other regions and see what they are doing better than us. I would be requesting that the mayor contact the IDA to request that they do all they can to try and seek a buyer to save the jobs there and push for more industries to be located here in Waterford City and County."
In response, Director of Services for Economic Development with Waterford Council, Michael Quinn, said they will reach out to assist where needed.
"In relation to Amgen, we will liaise with the IDA as the primary contractor and agency with responsibility. We need to get a better understanding of the issues and the decision and to see if there is anything we can do in terms of promoting the property."
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