The Government is committed to investing in jobs outside of Dublin. That's the message from Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney.
He attended a Fine Gael event in Clonmel over the weekend, to contest his party's candidates for the Ireland South Constituency for the European Parliament.
When asked about IDA investment in Waterford, the Fine Gael Minister responded to WLR News.
"Last year there were 243 new IDA investments Nationwide. There are over 300,000 people employed across the country linked to IDA-supported companies. Last year, more than half of the extra jobs were outside of Dublin.
"We do need to make sure that Waterford City and County has its fair share of that investment, and hearing Sean Kelly talking about offshore wind, there are huge opportunities for Waterford in the context of offshore wind over the next decade or so, not just in terms of building the infrastructure and assembling it, but also servicing it.
"We are standing in Clonmel today where there have been several announcements, regarding IDA clients in the last 12 months, and in terms of more jobs. We have also seen announcements in Waterford and Southeast generally, but of course, my job is ensuring that IDA investments happen right across the country."
When asked about Waterford Airport, Minister Simon Coveney says his Government remains committed to the project.
Government officials received the case in December, however, Minister Eamon Ryan admitted he had not read the case at that time.
A thirty-million euro investment from the Comer Brothers has also been made available to spearhead the project.
"It needs Government support," continued Minister Simon Coveney," I know the Business Case is being analysed at the moment, and I have been to Waterford Airport on several occasions.
"I think it is an important part of the Economy, not just for Waterford, but for the Southeast.
"I think the Government needs to support it and we will."
Coumnagappul Windfarm
Proper consultation with local communities is needed when it comes to renewable energy. That was the response from Sean Kelly MEP when asked about the Coumnagappul Wind Farm proposed to be built at the Foothills of the Comeragh Mountains.
The Politician has been a Member of the European Parliament from Ireland for the South constituency since July 2009.
Residents have raised several concerns regarding the development that will be home to Ireland's largest wind turbines to date, consisting of 10 turbines over 211 hectares.
When asked about Co. Waterford residents' concerns, Sean Kelly MEP says proper consultation is needed for everyone.
"With proper consultation from the outset, I think people will understand and come on board, but we need an overall plan as to how it is going to be delivered. We also need to consider the consequences if we do not reach our targets.
"There's a massive opportunity here for Ireland to become fully renewable in terms of our energy supply, but also in terms of being able to monetize it and export it to Europe.
"We do need renewable energy. Fossil fuels need to be phased out. It's something we have committed to, but also, it's a question of communication, and I think we have to communicate with our locals and people generally as to what we are about, why it is necessary, and how it is going to be done."
When asked if any further Wind Farms will be developed on land or offshore, Sean Kelly MEP had this response:
"I would say from now on most of the activity is going to be offshore, and that's what is going to be happening in Ireland as we are an Island nation.
"We have massive wind resources offshore, but we need to get moving on this and get the infrastructure in place to do it."
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand
