Launch of the Dublin Enterprise Zone

Ms Louise Phelan of PayPal, An Tánaiste, Joan Burton TD, Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Jack Chambers, Fingal Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Mr. Paul Reid

Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Jack Chambers, in the presence of An Tánaiste, Joan Burton TD, Fingal Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Mr. Paul Reid and Ms. Louise Phelan, Global Vice President of Operations at PayPal, EMEA, welcomed guests to the official launch of the Dublin Enterprise Zone at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown today.  The Dublin Enterprise Zone project seeks to brand the area as a destination of choice for both Foreign Direct Investment and indigenous enterprises. 

In welcoming attendees, the Deputy Mayor emphasised the importance of the Dublin Enterprise Zone, which is one of the single largest economic entities in the State.  The zone which consists of 1571 hectares of Industrial land is home to many household names in the IT sector, such as IBM, PayPal, eBay and Symantec. Another cluster of Pharmaceutical companies includes world leaders like Helsinn-Birex, Mallinckrodt, Bristol-Myers Squibb, The Tech Group and Alexion Pharma.  The area provides employment to over 17,000 employees working in 780 companies. (top)

The Deputy Mayor

As a local elected representative, The Deputy Mayor spoke passionately about the potential for future growth and further employment opportunities in the zone: 

"As a Council we are determined to work collaboratively with local business leaders, relevant State Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, Third Level Institutes and other local stakeholders to best leverage the significant strengths of the area so that we provide for the needs of our future generations.  By working closely together we can ensure that we all can benefit, including ultimately the Citizens of Fingal"

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Mr. Paul Reid emphasised Fingals commitment to the future development of the economy in Fingal:

“The approach of Fingal County Council has three parts. We collaborate closely with state agencies, the private sector and others in promoting Fingal as a prime location for inward investment. We also work hard to put in place the conditions and structures necessary to support local indigenous businesses. Finally, we also actively support, foster and encourage our small enterprises and entrepreneurs”.

He also outlined the many reasons why Fingal has been and continues to be a location of choice for both Foreign Direct Investment and indigenous businesses:

"Fingal is a great location for investment and growth, as we have strong connectivity in terms of transport, broadband and other essential services, we have a young, well-educated and diverse workforce, we have excellent quality of life conditions and we already host clusters of high-value, high-tech industries. With the launch of the Dublin Enterprise Zone today, we are preparing for future investment and declaring that Fingal is open for business"

Speaking as a local business leader, Ms. Louise Phelan of PayPal expressed her delight at being able to contribute to the launch:

“I’m delighted to be involved in the launch of the Dublin Enterprise Zone. This branding campaign promotes Dublin 15 as an investment location globally. PayPal set up in Ireland in 2003 with 25 employees. Today almost 1,500 people work in PayPal, Ballycoolin and we are continuing to hire. Dublin 15 is an ideal business location, with fantastic talent, a nearby international airport, an excellent road network and very easy access to Dublin city centre. I am confident that the newly branded Dublin Enterprise Zone will help unlock future economic opportunity for Dublin 15.”