IDA investment - Air service in city crucial

Allegations that the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is “de-emphasising” the importance of Dublin and Cork would seem to be open to interpretation.

In terms of area, the two cities comprise less than 1% of the area of the country, but they contain about 30% of the country’s population.

As most of the area of the country is not industrialised, it is natural that the IDA should therefore invest heavily in the largest urban areas. The cities of Dublin and Cork currently attract 60% of all IDA investments, but this is supposed to be lowered to 50% in the next five years. Such a change would not seem to be unreasonable, considering that 70% of the population lives outside the cities of Dublin and Cork.

While the various chambers of commerce are primarily concerned with the areas that they represent, the IDA should keep a broader perspective on the country as a whole. A recent survey of the Cork Chamber of Commerce found that nine out of 10 businesses in the south-west believe that direct air service to Cork is a key factor in attracting foreign direct investments to the region.

It is therefore desirable that a transatlantic airline service should be attracted to Cork. This would not only enhance Cork city as an attraction for both industry and tourism, but it would also facilitate the hinterland – the remainder of Co Cork, as well as parts of neighbouring counties, especially Kerry, Waterford and Kilkenny.