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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

74 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the recent efforts to build additional workspace at Drumshanbo, Mohill, Ballinamore and Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, with a breakdown of progress in relation to each town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8223/02]

The provision of workspace in particular areas of the country is a day-to-day matter for the industrial development agencies and is not one in which I have a direct function. However, I understand that IDA Ireland has overall responsibility for the provision of advanced buildings in County Leitrim.

Leitrim is a priority area for IDA Ireland and the agency will continue to market the location for new inward investment. In recent years the county has seen major new investment from overseas companies such Masonite, MBNA and Eaton Automotive. The IDA is in the process of developing a new advance facility in Carrick-on-Shannon, and this building will be used to assist in the marketing of the location.

IDA Ireland is involved in the Leitrim County Development Board, which involves the development of a seven year plan for the county. The plan is nearing completion and will cover all aspects of development within the county. The plan will highlight a number of issues, including infrastructure, that are preventing Leitrim from achieving its development potential. The plan will be published shortly.

Significant efforts are being made to enhance infrastructure in the county. IDA Ireland will continue to work with Leitrim County Council and others to ensure that the county is well placed to secure new inward investment in the future.

Land in the ownership of the IDA in Ballinamore is in the process of being sold to the local Ballinamore development company with support from Enterprise Ireland. The land will be developed to support the construction of an enterprise centre and buildings. The IDA also has land available in Mohill, Drumshanbo and Manorhamilton and is prepared to sell it if required for development purposes. The IDA has no requests at present from prospective purchasers. However, the IDA is in preliminary discussion with Leitrim County Council regarding the possibility of the council acquiring land from the IDA for the purpose of future workspace-enterprise development.

The role of Enterprise Ireland relates to the provision of support for the expansions of existing companies and working closely with communities to create enterprise space. Between 1997 and 2001 Enterprise Ireland has been involved in facilitating the following enterprise space developments:

DrumshanboThe community enterprise centre which Enterprise Ireland helped fund in 1993, €60,947.43, provided start-up space for a call centre that provided employment in Drumshanbo for in excess of 20 people. The company, the Orthopaedic Bed Company, moved to Carrick-on-Shannon last year to a larger premises but has expressed an interest in setting up a new venture in Drumshanbo. Nothing has been confirmed to date. This facility is also widely used as a training facility.

MohillEnterprise Ireland approved approximately €114,000 in 1996 to a community group in Mohill to construct a new enterprise centre. A 6,500 sq. ft. enterprise centre was opened in 1999 in Mohill and this is of significant value to the local community both in terms of enterprise space and also as a training facility with many locals being trained in IT skills.

BallinamoreEnterprise Ireland funded €59,394.54 towards the costs associated with the creation of a 2,400 sq. ft. community centre in 1994. This centre is completed and is fully occupied.
ManorhamiltonCluainin Community Development Association Limited: Enterprise Ireland investment of approximately €127,000 approved for a 7,000 sq. ft. community enterprise centre in Manorhamilton in 1998. A number of businesses have already commenced operating from this centre.
On a broader level Enterprise Ireland has run campaigns over the past three Christmas periods to try to attract potential entrepreneurs back to the north-west region, including County Leitrim, and in particular Drumshanbo, Mohill and Ballinamore. To date, no enquiries have resulted in start-ups in these areas.
Leitrim County Enterprise Board has taken a role in the following efforts to provide additional workspace in the county.
Drumshanbo:Funded the development of a new business and child care centre in Drumshanbo; working with community council to secure tenants for existing workspace; application received to assist an extension at Drumshanbo enterprise centre.
Ballinamore:Provided a feasibility study grant to Ballinamore development company (December 2001) to investigate feasibility of enterprise-industrial units at Willowfield, Ballinamore, and develop business plan for same; provided a feasibility study grant to a private individual in December 2001 to investigate the feasibility of a major social and educational facility in Ballinamore.
Mohill:No plans for additional workspace at current time; working with private contractor to develop enterprise units at Carrigallen, County Leitrim.
Manorhamilton:Also provided capital grant aid of £50,000 (€63,500) to Cluainin Community Development Company Limited towards the development of enterprise and technology centre in Manorhamilton.
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