While challenges including uncertainty over the impact of Brexit remain, the South East regional economy is performing strongly with positive indicators for further investment and jobs growth. That’s according to a new report published today (Thursday).
The summer 2019 edition of ‘Economy at a Glance’ from the Ireland South East Development Office (ISEDO) shows the region has grown steadily over the last seven years across all key economic indicators.
This follows the announcement by Agora Publishing of 135 additional jobs in Waterford.
The Agora Companies consist of a publishing company, technology services centre and customer support centre in Woodlock House, Portlaw, Co. Waterford as well as Confederation House in Waterford City.
Collectively, The Agora Companies in Waterford employ 270 people. The additional 135 roles will be in all areas of the South East operations; digital publishing, technical and customer support but primarily in software development.
The Waterford offices will be the largest hub located outside of the Baltimore US campus, which is made up of 13 buildings and 1,300 employees.
Other positive developments highlighted in the report include the government’s agreement in principle in June to provide €5m of exchequer funding towards a €12m runway extension at Waterford Airport, €10.6m funding for a greenway which will link New Ross to Waterford city centre and a new weekly container shipping route between Waterford and Rotterdam.
Commenting on today’s report, Alan Quirke, director, ISEDO, said: “This mid-year analysis underlines the good progress being made in the South East. Looking across the five counties of the region, we see very significant public and private sector investments that are not only generating employment now but also positioning the region for growth in the years to come."
