Vol. 475 No. 1
253 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the efforts, if any, which are being made to promote and encourage industry to the IDA International Estate at Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon, in view of its proximity to Knock airport. [4408/97]
IDA Ireland actively promotes County Roscommon, including the Ballaghadereen area, for new inward investment. In 1996, 245 new jobs from overseas companies were provided in the county. This represented an increase of 33 per cent over the 1995 results and was 46 per cent higher than in 1994.
In relation to encouraging industry to the industrial estate at Ballaghaderreen, it is the IDA's strategy, in line with its mandate, to favour locations outside the larger urban centres in every way it can, including higher grant levels as appropriate. IDA Ireland is also committed to dispersing new overseas projects to regional centres and to supporting existing overseas companies to further develop and expand their business in the region.
Discussions are also continuing with Knock Airport Authority with a view to attracting suitable overseas investments into the area.
