Enterprise Minister Peter Burke has addressed Apple’s warning that various nations are attempting to tempt multinationals away, emphasising that Ireland must always strive to preserve its competitive edge. This alert was made during a June gathering between Apple and Mr Burke. A memo from the Department of Enterprise, disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act, indicates Apple briefed Mr Burke about its expansion intentions in Ireland during this assembly. Apple, which maintains its European operations from Cork with more than 6,000 employees, also expressed concerns about Cork city’s infrastructure, specifically the road network and the requirement for a dependable bus service. The meeting conveyed that the slow development of public infrastructure in Cork was a significant obstacle to Apple’s growth.
During a discussion on Today FM’s ‘The Last Word’ programme, Mr Burke addressed Apple’s warning about Ireland’s competitive status, stating that every economy faces challenges, but he believes Ireland can successfully manoeuvre through these. Hence, a memo was dispatched to the Cabinet this week to discuss strategies for enhancing while affirmelping to maintain ing Ireland’s position at the upper end of the competitiveness scale among other nations. Mr Burke insisted on the necessity of not taking Ireland’s competitive standing for granted and emphasised his commitment to further invest in grid, water and waste water management, and in ensuring robust next-generation sites to draw new investments. He mentioned that, considering the fierce global competition, the Government should concentrate on executing large-scale projects to better the infrastructure and boost competitiveness.
Replying to Apple’s criticisms about Cork’s infrastructure, Mr Burke pointed out that significant improvements have been made in areas such as wastewater capacity, broadband and higher education institutions. While acknowledging that further work remains to be done on roads and public transportation in Cork, Mr Burke asserted that delivering everything simultaneously isn’t feasible for any nation, but reassured that Cork and its surrounding areas are receiving significant attention and resources.