Tipperary LEO supports over 1,500 jobs

Tipperary's Local Enterprise Office is continuing to facilitate job creation in a local economy that remains resilient despite the global uncertainty.

A total of 1,526 jobs have been created by 268 LEO-supported companies in Tipperary. Almost half of these were created in the last five years.

By comparison, 16 companies that set up in Tipperary with help from the IDA have total employment of 5,589, while 146 Enterprise Ireland-supported companies have employment of 6,732.

In a presentation to Tipperary Co Council last week, Brian Beck, Director of Services for Economic, Community & Rural Development, painted a positive picture of the economic situation in the Premier County. Mr Beck pointed to the LEO's track record and said the office serves to help new business start-ups in Tipperary. He appealed to councillors to inform potential start-ups about the LEO's services.

“We're here to help and I want to get that message out,” Mr Beck said. He praised the efforts of Tipperary people creating jobs in Tipperary and believed this would stand the county in good stead, despite the global economic uncertainty over tariffs.

“The Tipperary entreprenurial DNA is unique; it's inspiring,” Mr Beck said.

COUNCIL LOOKING FOR LAND

Mr Beck mentioned several examples around the county of where Tipperary Co Council had successfully enabled large business to grow. A recent example in Nenagh was Apex Aviation, which is to substantially expand its business on land acquired by the council at Lisbunny, along with Premier Stationery. Mr Beck also mentioned Fiserv at Stereame, where the council has assigned land to facilitate expansion.

The council has acquired 40 acres on Templemore's Roscrea road, which it would open up for new companies to come in and create jobs. The council is “actively looking” to buy land for the next generation of companies in Tipperary, Mr Beck said.

Noting also that the Premier county has a higher percentage of manufacturing employment than the national average, Mr Beck cited Tipperary's strategic location between Cork, Galway, Limerick and Dublin as key for new foreign direct investment in the county.

Cllr Phyll Bugler called on the council to acquire more land around Ballina and Newport in order to facilitate expansion of companies in Limerick. “Limerick is running out of space,” she said, adding that this presents an opportunity for local towns located only 10 minutes from the city.

‘DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU’

But Cllr Bugler believed the LEO could do more for existing businesses that are not aware about the supports offered by the office. “They are paying rates and never hear from LEO,” she said. “They don't know about you.”

Cllr Bugler wanted the office to contact local business people and offer them help.

In support, Cllr Michael Smith said Tipperary Co Council is “a real player in job creation in this county” but could do more to explain the grants available by contacting business people directly.

Mr Beck said the LEO has made targeted calls to business owners and would continue to do so. But “don't wait for us to come to you”, was his message. “Pick up the phone.”

Cllr Roger Kennedy said the council's record of creating and supporting employment is a “positive story” that should be highlighted by the media. “This is what we're about,” Cllr Kennedy said. “It shows that we're building for the future.”