The announcement by the multinational Xerox that it intends to provide some 2,200 jobs in Dundalk and at Blanchardstown in Dublin is a further reminder of this State's remarkable ability to attract inward investment. It is yet another coup for IDA Ireland, which has continued to achieve record levels of job-creation in the face of the most intense competition from other EU states. Last year, over 15,000 jobs were created in foreign-owned companies assisted by the IDA, an astonishing statistic which underlines how this State has secured a very substantial slice of inward investment in the European market. The Xerox announcement represents some welcome news for the North-East region. Some 1,500 of the new jobs will be based in Dundalk, an important boost to a town which - with over 4,000 jobless - remains one of this State's unemployment black-spots. The Xerox project represents the largest single investment by a multinational in the town and it will see the company becoming the largest employer in the area. The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, is scarcely exaggerating when she describes it as "the most significant industrial project ever to impact on the Dundalk area".
The Xerox investment will also help to counter the claims by many outside Dublin that IDA Ireland's efforts have been overly concentrated on the capital. There is a growing sense of grievance, especially in the Border region and in the North-West that these areas have lost out - even though some 60 per cent of new projects agreed last year were for areas outside the East region. The Xerox project, the biggest single success for the IDA this year, is welcome evidence that all regions of the State can share the fruits of our economic success.
It will also serve to underline the economic potential of the Border region if there is a lasting peace in the area. Indeed, the Tanaiste confirmed that the peace process had already been a "key ingredient" in the marketing by IDA Ireland of the Dundalk area.
For Blanchardstown, the Xerox plan to locate 700 jobs in the area will see the town rival Leixlip in Co Kildare as Ireland's main hi-technology centre. IBM is already in the process of establishing a facility that will eventually employ 3,000-plus in the area. It is a remarkable transformation: a decade ago, the future for Blanchardstown and its young population appeared bleak. Today, it seems to be at the cutting edge of Ireland's industrial expansion. The challenge now is to ensure that a wide pool of skilled labour is available to service the variety of projects announced by Xerox. After completing an evaluation of the available skills base, both the company and IDA Ireland appear satisfied that sufficient qualified people are available. It is to be hoped that both are correct: Ireland has worked hard to secure Xerox; continuing heavy investment in education and training is imperative if we are to make the most of the opportunities that are now presenting themselves.