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US firms call for infrastructure upgrades
Tuesday, May 21 2002
by Ciaran Buckley


The American Chamber of Commerce has called on the incoming government to
recognise the infrastructure needs of US companies in Ireland in its regional
plans.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chamber highlighted the needs of US companies,
while seeking acknowledgement for the contribution these companies make to the
Irish economy. 



"The incoming government should not be complacent in regard the business needs
of US industry, especially in the regions. US companies in the West, North West,
Mid West and the South are the largest employers in their regions. Collectively
they are a very strong voice and government must incorporate their needs into all
regional development plans," said Bernard Collins, president of the American
Chamber.



The American Chamber of Commerce has established a number of regional groups
throughout the country to identify and pursue regional specific issues affecting
US industry. The main issues identified to date are in the areas of
infrastructure, including air, road and rail access, broadband and waste
management.



"US companies have strongly embraced this initiative and we have representation
across a broad range of manufacturing and service industries," said American
Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Joanne Richardson, speaking to
ElectricNews.Net. 



The American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland stated that over 570 US companies now
have a presence in Ireland, providing employment for over 89,000 people. The
United States is Ireland's largest single source of inward investment and is a
leading economic development force. Annual exports by US companies based in
Ireland exceed EUR26 billion, representing 84 percent of all manufacturing
exports.





Jim O'Hara, general manager of Intel Ireland is the keynote speaker at the
American Chamber of Commerce's business lunch, which is to take place on Tuesday.
Intel has recently announced the restart of the construction of its Fab 24
manufacturing plant, which when fully operational will raise Intel's investment
in Ireland to over USD5 billion, with over 4,000 people employed.