Taoiseach Enda Kenny today welcomed PayPal’s plans to create 1,000 new jobs in Dundalk, describing the decision as a vote of confidence in Ireland.
Mr Kenny said the IDA Ireland-backed investment was great news for Ireland and for the north-east.
“This is a great signal of confidence in Ireland and in our talented workforce,” he said.
“It is a clear recognition of the opportunities that Ireland offers global leaders like PayPal. Our Action Plan on Jobs published last week will help to ensure that this is just the first of many similar announcements over the coming year,” he said.
“This is an example of confidence in our country and our young people,” he added.
“Those who have language skills in Spanish, French, German, Russian or Dutch will have opportunities to work in Dundalk. It means they will have the opportunity to live and work and have a career in their own location and own locality.”
Labour TD for Louth and East Meath Gerald Nash said the region had won a battle with other EU countries for the PayPal investment.
“This is the largest job announcement in Ireland in over five years. PayPal chose Louth because it is the best place to do business in Ireland. We’ve got a skilled workforce and an excellent infrastructure,” he said.
“I’ve no doubt that we will continue to attract additional investment to the area. PayPal and its parent, eBay, are flagship companies. The decision to locate here is a huge vote of confidence and will inevitably draw the eyes of the business world to Louth.”
Sinn Féin TD Gerry Adams said the investment is “a much-needed boost for the local economy which has suffered from a series of job losses in recent times and has seen a consistent increase in the number of citizens on the live register.”
Seamus Kirk, local Fianna Fail TD, said the expansion will bring direct benefit to the local economy. “It proves that Ireland remains a very attractive place to do business,” he said.