More jobs lost than gained last year in IDA-backed firms

IDA Ireland-backed companies in Cork lost 1,671 jobs last year, according to statistics released by by the Minister for Enterprise, Micheál Martin.

Reflecting a likely downturn in the economy, it was the first time since 2003 that the IDA saw more jobs lost from grant-aided companies than were gained. A total of 20,114 people were employed in IDA companies in Cork city and county at the end of last year. The authority managed to create 1,522 jobs, but there was a job loss of 150 when compared with 2006 figures.

In that year the IDA managed to create 2,057 jobs.