Ford Ireland are taking time to reflect on a proud past [video]

There is much talk these days about Foreign Direct Investment bolstering Ireland’s economy. Henry Ford — ever the pioneer — was doing it before the phrase even existed, writes Ciaran McMahon, Chairman and MD, Ford Ireland.

It was 100 years ago this year that the motoring genius located the European arm of his empire in Ireland, right here in Cork city, where the Irish operation is still based.

To assess the effect the factory at the Marina had on the region, we need to cast our minds back to 1917: The city was racked by poverty and slums, made worse by the Great War. There was some industry, but work was uncertain, low-paid, and difficult at the best of times.