Govt ‘smart economy’ plan suffers setback as Web Summit departs – Calleary

Published on: 23 September 2015


The revelation that the Web Summit will depart Dublin is a major setback to the Irish economy, according to Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Enterprise and Innovation Dara Calleary TD.

Co-founder and CEO of the Web Summit Paddy Cosgrave announced earlier today that the Web Summit will move to Lisbon from next year because of the strong infrastructure present in the city.

Speaking following the announcement Deputy Calleary commented, “This news is a major setback not only to the Dublin economy, but also the wider technology sector in Ireland. The Web Summit is widely renowned internationally and offered Irish start-ups the opportunity to showcase their technology on the world stage,” said Deputy Calleary.

“The organisers of the Web Summit highlighted on a number of occasions in recent years that investment in infrastructure was needed in Dublin to support the technology sector. Unfortunately the level of investment needed to secure the capital as a permanent home for the Web Summit simply has not taken place.

“The Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressed the Web Summit in the past and indicated that the Government would do its utmost to support its continued presence in Dublin. It is now apparent that the Taoiseach and his colleagues have failed to do this.

“This sorry saga is a major setback to the Government’s plan to develop a ‘smart economy’. It further proves that much more work is needed to strengthen the technology and research sector in Ireland. There is a huge opportunity to expand these sectors in the coming year to help create employment.

“The Government has a responsibility to ensure that the necessary investment in infrastructure takes place to support growth in the technology and research sectors. The presence of high-tech companies in Ireland should not be taken for granted,” said Deputy Calleary.

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