Jobs boost for Blanchardstown

THERE has been a broad welcome for last week’s announcement of 85 new jobs for Dublin 15.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was at the IDA Business and Technology Park headquarters in Blanchardstown to officially open the new state-of-the-art production line at the Jelly Bean Factory where 25 new jobs will be created.

The new facility will nearly double the company’s manufacturing footprint from 55,000 sq ft to over 90,000 sq ft and will produce a new range of gourmet Belgian chocolate coated jelly beans.

“Ireland’s economy recovery is being led by exporting Irish companies just like the Jelly Bean Factory,

? said Mr Kenny.

“The Jelly Bean Factory is one of Ireland’s success stories, exporting 97 per cent of its product to over 55 countries worldwide and contributing to Ireland’s growing global reputation as a provider of high quality food and drink products.

The Jelly Bean Factory was founded as Aran Candy Ltd in 1988 by father and son team Peter and Richard Cullen who are joint managing directors. The jelly beans have no generically modified ingredients, are gelatine free and gluten free and are halal compliant.

A further 30 jobs were created at Malone Engineering in Ballycoolin Industrial Estate. The company was founded by Stephen Moore in 1999.

Fingal Dublin Chamber President, Siobhan Moore warmly welcomed this announcement of the highly qualified jobs which will be suitable for graduates in engineering and health and safety.

“Stephen is a member of the Chamber Council and has contributed to the strategic development of the chamber in recent years. It is not surprising therefore to see him create such a strong growth in his company,

? she said.

Meanwhile Boots Ireland is due to open its new 1,100 sq ft store in The Blanchardstown Centre on Wednesday, where 30 new full and part-time staff will be created.