Not enough done to create jobs in Laois

The Government’s only TD in Laois says State agencies must do more to attract foreign investment and jobs to Laois .

The Midlands Action Plan for Jobs forum will take place in the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, tonight, Tuesday, January from 5.30pm.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, will be there to hear the views and ideas of business people. Charlie Flanagan, who is also the FG party chairman, will chair the forum.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dep Flanagan said the Government should support local business people.

“This is an opportunity for business people from around the county to inform Minister Bruton of the supports they require from both the Government and state agencies to ensure that existing jobs are protected and new jobs are created.

“There has been a steady increase in employment but that has not filtered down to counties such as Laois. State agencies such as the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, which will be at the event, need to take a more proactive approach towards attracting investment into our county,” he said.

Dep Flanagan said competition for foreign direct investment is intense but Laois can meet their needs.

“Our workers have the requisite skills to attract foreign companies and we are centrally located. The conditions are right for foreign investment but we just need that final push to get us over the line when competing with other regions for jobs,” he said.