Industry and businesses in the Mid West have expressed their concern that the region has lost its attractiveness to major foreign investment, with the failure of any major industry to locate there in the past ten years.
The concerns are outlined in a major survey of IBEC members in the Mid West, which was launched in Limerick today.
102 companies in the Mid West region took part in the IBEC-organised survey about the current state of industry in the region, and growth plans for the future. They represent a workforce of just over 16,000 people and a wage bill of over €550m.
Problems identified in the survey include the lack of foreign direct investment in recent years as well as the lack of political leadership and inefficient co-ordination by too many state agencies. The survey also points to the lack of advanced R&D in the region, which would see companies grow into the future.
The delivery of leading edge infrastructure, including the extension of the national rail network to connect Shannon with Limerick and Galway, and an improved road network are also seen as crucial.
Shannon airport is currently in limbo, and is losing businesses to other regions, as companies reduce their presence there. This also has implications for business and tourism, according to the survey.
IBEC Regional President Liam Ryan said if he was to run his business like the Mid West is being run it would 'be broke and out of business by tomorrow.'
