FERMOY BUSINESS PARK ‘A REGIONAL ASSET’
In response to a recent RTE television programme and an article in The Avondhu well-known Fermoy town councillor, Michael Hanley refutes suggestions that the facility is not fulfilling an important role in the area.
In a statement to The Avondhu, he says, ‘I was surprised to read Gavin Deady’s article on the IDA site located in Fermoy and also RTE’s ‘Pobal’ programme dealing with same. The decision by the IDA to designate the former army barracks site as a business and technology park, having purchased it from Cork County Council, had the full support of all the elected TDs for our Cork East constituency, Cork County Council management and IDA and was taken in the light of the ability of the Fermoy region to handle large scale industrial development, in which Fermoy Enterprise Board played a significant role’.
He says, “The business park is a regional asset, not necessarily Fermoy’s. We are lucky to have such a facility. To argue about its current status, one has to understand all the nuances associated with the work of successfully attracting industrial projects. This aspect requires quite a degree of writing space and is best left to the professionals”.
"The business park is a regional asset, not necessarily Fermoy’s. We are lucky to have such a facility. To argue about its current status, one has to understand all the nuances associated with the work of successfully attracting industrial projects. This aspect requires quite a degree of writing space and is best left to the professionals.
"However, I am completely taken aback by any suggestion that the IDA has not played a significant role in the provision of hundreds of jobs for our town since 1989. The local enterprise board was established in 1986 with the focused singular aim of addressing substantial unemployment, and the board’s chief strategy was to work with the executives of our State bodies to create a new impetus for our town and the region around it.
"'This strategy proved to be hugely successful, as illustrated by the following: 1997 - Anderson Power Products successfully persuaded to remain in Fermoy. New building provided by local entrepreneur. Supported by IDA. 1989 - SCI arrived, supported by the IDA. Now Sanmina/SCI. 1990 - Met Life Insurance arrived, supported by the IDA. Building provided by local businessman. Now Quinnhealthcare. 1996 - Berg arrives, Cork Road site supported by the IDA. Lands and building provided by local businessman.
"The business world has now changed dramatically in the intervening years since the late 80’s and now we have a seriously much tougher game on our hands. Fermoy Enterprise Board is continuing to encourage the link-up between Moorepark Technology and UCC which could have benefits job wise in our region.
“The crucial importance of the availability of a developed site (in public ownership) is that it provides a unique option that otherwise would not exist and thus is a vital asset, taking the long term view. If we want to talk reality, then let’s address the cost of doing business in Ireland and offer encouragement to bodies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Cork County Council to keep the Fermoy region alive and kicking, with a particular emphasis on the jobs scene".
Published:
Friday 7th March 6:54pm
