Negotiations between the IDA and a large multinational company are taking place on a proposal to locate a new plant in east Cork. The company, believed to be involved in the electronics sector, has already viewed a number of sites in the Cork area and appears to favour a location close to Midleton, about 12 miles from the city. The firm is believed to be close to making a decision on whether to locate in Ireland and a formal announcement is expected shortly.
While the IDA has refused to confirm the discussions, the Minister of State for Finance, Mr Hugh Coveney, said that the negotiations had been continuing for some time. The job potential is understood to be in the region of 1,000 at full production.
Following the disappointment last year of Siemens opting for Scotland, the authority has been making intensive efforts to find another similar sized plant for the area. Last year, the IDA secured eight new industries for Cork, the most recent being a Canadian company, Merfin Hygienic Products Ltd. Its £31 million plant, to be located at Ringaskiddy, will employ up to 150 people.