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Establishment of Irish Water Supporting Jobs Growth and Crucial to Attracting Foreign Direct Investment

Minister Fergus O’Dowd today (27th February 2014) welcomed the launch of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2014.

“Already we can see the dividends of the plan to date with 58,000 more people in employment this year. The Action Plan is a whole-of-Government initiative, which has delivered strong and positive results over the past 2 years. The 2014 Plan will build on what we have delivered so far, and make a further big difference in the delivery of jobs and recovery,” stated Minister O’Dowd.

Minister O’Dowd pointed out that one element in particular of the NewEra project – the establishment of Irish Water – is also delivering on the jobs front. “In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government (PfG), Irish Water commenced a domestic water metering programme in August 2013. Over 130,000 meters have been installed through the programme, which is employing approximately 1,050 people. Work is underway in all eight metering regions of this highly ambitious programme, with 27,000 meters a month installed – continuing to sustain jobs and paving the way for a self-sustaining and vital water utility providing crucial investment in water services. A secure supply of clean, high-quality water is also an essential element in attracting FDI, especially for the water intensive industries such as the pharmaceutical and ICT sectors,” said the Minister.