Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke has responded to a warning from Apple that other countries are trying to lure multinationals away, saying Ireland’s competitiveness should “never be taken for granted”.
The Irish Times reported on Thursday that Apple warned the Government that “Globally there is aggressive competition from countries trying to secure large multinationals, such as Apple, to relocate from Ireland to their shores.”
The warning came during a meeting between Apple and Mr Burke in June.
A Department of Enterprise note of the meeting – released under the Freedom of Information Act – shows Apple did brief Mr Burke on its growth plans in Ireland.
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But the company – which employs more than 6,000 at its European headquarters in Cork – also complained about infrastructure in the city including the road network as well as highlighting the need for an “adequate bus service”.
The meeting was told “the slow progress regarding the public infrastructure in Cork is very worrying and hindering Apple growth plans”.
During an interview on Today FM’s The Last Word programme, Mr Burke was asked about Apple’s warning about Ireland’s competitiveness.
He said: “Every economy has challenges and I think Ireland can manage the challenge that it has.”
[ Peter Burke: ‘What’s good for the worker doesn’t have to be bad for the employer’Opens in new window ]
Mr Burke that is why there was a memo to Cabinet this week on measures to maintain Ireland’s competitiveness while insisting Ireland remains either at the top or near the top of competitiveness tables compared to other countries.
He said: “We never should take that for granted and that’s why we’re really looking to invest in our grid, to invest in our water and waste water and to ensure that we have very solid next-generation sites to attract new investment into the country.”
He added: “Competition is very strong globally… and that’s why we need to refocus Government on delivering large-scale projects that are going to improve our infrastructure and make us more competitive.”
Asked about Apple’s complaints about infrastructure in Cork, Mr Burke said infrastructure had been improved significantly, citing wastewater capacity, broadband and third-level institutions.
When asked if this was not related to the roads and public transport in Cork, he said the point he was trying to make was it was “impossible for a country to deliver everything at once”.
“There are competing interests… We are doing a huge amount for Cork and the greater area.”
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