Bernard J. Durkan
Question:136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the expectations he has in regard to job creation in County Kildare arising from the county enterprise board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kildare Employment.
The primary objectives of each county enterprise board including the Kildare board are to focus, develop and support local entrepreneurship and enterprise within the framework of a coherent, integrated county enterprise action plan so as to build a local economy of real strength and permanence which will give jobs and wealth sufficient to its needs.
Their key tasks will be to tap the employment opportunities in their localities through:—
* Developing enterprise action plans covering all sectors in their county;
* Creating local enterprise awareness and developing an enterprise culture to ensure community based enterprise activity;
* Providing grant support to individuals and local community groups to assist commercially viable small enterprise projects;
* Influencing the allocation of resources for small enterprises from European Community, private and public funding sources.
I would expect that the boards will have a positive effect on job creation and small start-ups in their areas.