Not Enough Being Done To Attract Investment To Clare, Says Cathaoirleach

Photo © Clare FM

The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council says there simply isn’t enough being done to attract investment into the county.

Councillor Tom McNamara’s claim has come in the wake of comments by Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, who has predicted a jobs boost for Clare in the near future.

She has also stopped short of expressing confidence that a buyer will be found for the Roche site in Clarecastle.

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The IDA, which is tasked with attracting foreign direct investment into Ireland, brought 18 companies to Clare for site visits last year, and another 10 in the first three months of this year.

But despite these record numbers, disappointment has been expressed from certain quarters about what’s described as a low number of major jobs announcements for Clare

However, speaking to Clare FM in her first comments on job creation locally since she assumed responsibility for this area, Minister Fitzgerald predicted that announcements are coming.

The government has defended its record in this area, saying the MidWest is the fastest growing region outside of Dublin

Clare has also seen a significant drop in live register figures over recent times.

That’s despite the planned closure of Roche in Clarecastle next year, a closure which is still on the cards as investment has not been secured for the site.

When pressed on this issue, Minister Fitzgerald stopped short of guaranteeing a new buyer.

The Tánaiste’s highlighted the tourism industry and the Fleadh as local success stories, but the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council has expressed disappointment over the comments.

Councillor Tom McNamara feels credit for such initiatives should go to those locally who ensured such success.

The Fianna Fáil Councillor also feels Clare has been let down by Government and says it’s time for the Banner, and the local authority, to look after its own interests.