Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:148 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made by the task force which was established following the closure of a company (details supplied). [21907/01]
Written Answers. - Donegal Task Force.
Since the Donegal Employment Initiative Task Force submitted its report to me in July 1999 a number of key recommendations have been implemented. These include improved access to the county, upgrading of skills, provision of industrial and enterprise space, investment in tourism, energy and telecommunications.
The actions undertaken to improve access are as follows: funding of the order of £130 million has been committed for the national primary and national secondary roads in the county between 2000 and 2003; infrastructure improvements at City of Derry Airport and Donegal Airport – public service orders from City of Derry Airport and Donegal Airport to Dublin and £35 million investment in quay facilities in Killybegs with additional funding for harbours and piers throughout the county.
To facilitate the upgrading of skills in the county additional funding of £4.2 million was made available to FÁS in Donegal. FÁS registration and skills analysis have been put in place. Capital investment was also made in the Letterkenny Institute of Technology, enabling the provision of additional courses.
Industrial and enterprise space has been increased throughout County Donegal with the provision of 21 publicly owned sites. A further 29 publicly owned units have been provided for inward investment, community and indigenous enterprise. Civic offices have also been developed as public private partnerships to provide advanced office space.
Tourism has been boosted in Donegal with the investment of £1 million on branding and ongoing promotional material. Lough Swilly boat park and peninsula hopping initiatives are at advanced stages of planning. Furthermore, a tourism section has been established as part of the Community and Enterprise Unit of Donegal County Council with a tourism manager and a tourism development officer. The development of a tourism strategy for the county as part of the Donegal county strategy is being prepared by Donegal County Development Board. This will position Donegal to bid for funding as soon as it is available.
Current plans for the development of broadband infrastructure to County Donegal will introduce high-speed access and competition to the telecommunications market in the county. Donegal County Council will prepare a bid for funding under the next round of Structural Funds for telecommunications. The extension of gas pipeline to County Donegal has been announced and may enable the provision of gas fired electricity.
The £5 million Economic Development Fund established by Donegal County Council has been instrumental in leveraging many of the above initiatives. Further mechanisms will be established by Donegal County Development Board in association with Donegal County Council to ensure the integrated delivery of the recommendations of the Donegal Employment Initiative Task Force, thereby ensuring that the county is a prime and competitive location for job creation.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 147.
Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 113.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 108.