'A vote of confidence to the local economy' -Local TDs welcome Naas job announcement

Local TDs have welcomed the news that Dawn Farms will be employing a further 150 people at their premises in Naas, stating that it is a sign of the confidence taht the business industry have in the local Kildare economy.

The investment by Dawn Farms which will amount to over €25m over the period is focused on enhancing the company’s R&D capabilities at its Meat Science & Innovation Centre in Naas and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland.

Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless, who is the party spokesperson on research and development, stated that the sustainable nature of the jobs was one of the most pleasing factors about the news.

"I was delighted to attend the announcement this morning of 150 new jobs at Dawn Farms," stated Deputy Lawless.

"I know the Queally family well and many other local people involved in the operation. I had a very positive discussion with Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD at the plant and also with Julie Cinnamon of Enterprise Ireland whom I deal with in my role as Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Innovation."

"The company are to be congratulated for their success and hard work in taking this enterprise from 8 employees in the early 80s to over 1,000 employed with them today. The investment in R&D capability is of course very welcome and is the kind of sustainable jobs that will help keep Ireland competitive despite changing trends in the international economy. Finally as a Naas TD this is a very welcome piece of good news for the town and surrounds and hopefully will help to grow confidence in the area and general business environment" he concluded..

Kildare North TD Bernard Durkan also welcomed the news, saying that it was a big vote of confidence for the local economy.

"This morning’s announcement is a significant vote of confidence in the local economy, and a further sign of increasing employment opportunities outside of Dublin," stated Deputy Durkan.

"150 new jobs for Naas in the food sector is a significant vote of confidence in the company, its management, its workforce and Naas.

“It is reassuring that in these challenging geo-political times, this indigenous Irish company supplying food and food ingredients to forty countries across the Globe in a very competitive market place, has the confidence to expand even further in Kildare.

“The company started thirty years ago with twelve employees and now employs more than one thousand – a sterling performance," he concluded.