Dell in Ireland for the long haul, says chief

DELL Computers, the country’s top exporter, is in Ireland for the long haul as long as it remains competitive, the company pledged yesterday.

Nicky Hartery, vice-president of Dell’s manufacturing and business operations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, ruled out any plans to move operations from Limerick, where 3,200 workers are employed, to Central Europe.

“Over 18 months ago I looked at Central European countries to see what advantage they might have over Ireland. They did not provide enough of an advantage to make any change,” Mr Hartery said.