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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 4

Written Answers. - Regional Development.

Enda Kenny

Question:

53 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the Government's position on regional development in so far as industrial expansion is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2209/94]

Forbairt and IDA Ireland, the two main operating industrial development agencies falling within my remit, have responsibility for creating and developing indigenous and overseas industries respectively. In carrying out these functions, the agencies are required, inter alia to foster the national objective of regional industrial development and to continue the former IDA's mandate for balanced regional development. This involves the provision of a focused service for creating new and expanding existing companies across the full range of commerical activities including management, product development, finance and a broad range of technological services. SFADCo and Údaras na Gaeltachta have specific regional remits in the mid west and Gaeltacht regions respectively.

To assist them in their objective, both main operating agencies have a network of regional staff. A regions division has been established within Forbairt to co-ordinate that agency's regional activities and this has been followed by the recent appointment of eight regional directors. The presence of these new directors and their terms in the regional offices will enhance Forbairt's regional dimension and serve to strengthen the agency's role at regional level. IDA Ireland is also represented at regional level. The operating agencies, in consultation and in co-operation with FÁS and ABT, will have a key role in developing the strengths of individual regions and specific initiatives which need to be undertaken to achieve greater economic development at local level. These agencies, at regional level, will work in tandem with local organisations including county enterprise boards,Programmefor Economic and Social Progress area partnerships and community groups to ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach to such local development. The overall aim of all these organisations is the development of a region's competitive advantages which will contribute to both attracting new investment and helping existing regional enterprises to expand and grow.
To support them in their task of regional development, the Government, through the relevant agencies-bodies, provides infrastructure in the regions. This includes serviced industrial sites and buildings, transport facilities, telecommunications, education and training.
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