The American Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has called on the incoming government to heed the needs of US companies throughout the regions and to recognise the major contribution these companies are making to regional development.
Following a series of recent meetings around the country, conducted by the ACC in conjunction with the US Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Richard Egan, US Industry voiced serious concerns in the areas of Infrastructure including air, road and rail access, broadband access and waste management.
The President of the American Chamber Mr Bernard Collins uses the platform of the Chamber’s business luncheon in Dublin today, to highlight the contribution US Industry has made to the success of the Irish Economy and specifically the importance of US companies to regional development.
"The Incoming Government should not be complacent to the business needs of US Industry especially in the regions," Mr Collins said.
"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".
As part of their strategy to support the regions, the ACC has established a number of regional groups throughout the country to identify and pursue regional specific issues affecting US Industry.
There are now over 570 American companies 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 exceeded €26 billion which represents 84 per cent of all foreign manufacturing exports.