Outer bypass biggest impediment to Galway’s progress

Date Published: 20-Apr-2011

Leading industry figures have singled out the lack of a city bypass as the biggest impediment to attracting more companies to Galway, which has bucked the national trend in the last six months with the creation by multinationals of 900 jobs.

Galway is seen as one of the key success stories in the country by the IDA when it comes to securing direct foreign investment, particularly by US companies who are looking to locate in Europe or who wish to expand their operations here.

While there have been no major job losses here since the recession hit, there have been a constant series of job announcements. Since October nine companies have announced plans to take on at least 900 new employees.

Gerry Kilcommins, general manager of Medtronic Galway – who this year was elected president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland – believes there are a number of reasons why US companies are choosing the city in increasing numbers.

Companies always ask about the educational infrastructure, talent and workforce available and Galway’s two reputable institutes of education stand out, he stated.

“This cluster effect has built up in Galway, particularly in the medical technology industry. Indigenous companies have set up in close proximity to supply the mainline companies. The third level colleges have set up programmes geared to the industries based in the city,” said Mr Kilcommins, who is also vice president of global operations for Medtronic’s vascular business.

Galway and the west of Ireland are seen as an attractive place to live, put down roots and raise a family, which is a major advantage when it comes to seeking highly sought-after recruits.

While accessibility to and from Galway has been largely addressed with the motorways to Dublin and Shannon, this is one area that still needs significant investment.

“The Galway City Outer Bypass was talked about but nothing is happening about it. I see it as important in terms of the whole traffic gridlock and the continuing development of the city and of the region as a whole,” he stated.

For full story see this week’s Connacht Tribune.