I was delighted to be present at Dawn Farms this morning for the announcement of 150 new jobs in the food innovation sector. I know the Queally family well and many other local people involved in the operation.

I had a very positive discussion with Julie Cinnamon of Enterprise Ireland whom I deal with in my role as Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Innovation and of course the Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor. 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 very welcome and is the kind of sustainable jobs that will help keep Ireland competitive despite changing trends in the international economy. This is also a very welcome piece of good news for Naas town and surrounds and hopefully will help to grow confidence in the area and general business environment