The efforts of State agencies which led to the creation of more than 4,000 jobs in Cork must be built upon in an on-going effort to tackle unemployment.
The most up to date figures available confirm that almost 4,300 new whole time equivalent jobs were created in Cork in 2012 with the direct support of Government and state agencies. Enterprise Ireland supported companies created 1,663 jobs in Cork in 2012 and IDA client companies created 2,162 full time positions.
The largest challenge facing government is bringing about the conditions that enable employers to create new jobs. In meeting this challenge the role of state agencies with the specific task of attracting international investment and developing trade and innovation is crucial. Organisations like the Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and County and City Enterprise Boards have a central role in helping companies create new jobs.
It wasn’t only international companies that were given help in creating new jobs. Locally the city and county enterprise boards have helped smaller enterprises in creating new posts. They helped create 373 full-time jobs and 186 part-time jobs in 2012.
Over the past decade Cork has become a globally recognised location for foreign direct investment. Multinational companies have invested billions of Euros in the region, creating thousands of jobs. Efforts to make sure that an environment which allows companies and entrepreneurs must continue. The Government’s Action Plan on Jobs is aimed at creating conditions that encourage job creation and reduce tape. While it is welcome that these efforts have helped create over 4,000 positions in Cork we must build on this over the coming years so that we can provide employment for many people who eagerly searching for work.