Vol. 476 No. 1
21 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the disappointing number of overseas jobs established in counties Cavan and Monaghan in spite of the commitment of the US and EU to the regeneration of the Border economy; the plans, if any, he has to ensure a greater level of overseas investment to the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4002/97]
I am aware that the number of overseas jobs in counties Cavan and Monaghan is disappointing in comparison to other counties.
Despite the best efforts of IDA Ireland and Forbairt, Monaghan and Cavan have not attracted significant overseas investment in recent years. Both agencies are committed, under my direction, to maximising their efforts to move more investments from major population centres to appropriate regional locations. Redressing the situation in the Border region is a particular feature of the strategy which I announced last Monday for employment growth at locations outside the larger urban centres.
As the Deputy is aware, decisions on where to locate are made by potential clients themselves on the basis of competitive advantage and one clear factor which will influence the winning of projects is, without doubt, the level of industrial competitiveness a location can offer by way of infrastructure and a positive business environment. Having said that, agency policy will now involve, inter alia, higher grant levels as appropriate and the stimulation of advance factory construction at key locations.
It is also worth emphasising that the US and EU funding to the Border counties does not directly impact on the promotional activities of IDA Ireland and Forbairt in the Border counties.
More specifically, Forbairt is working with existing overseas companies in the food processing sector in the north east region to encourage them to further develop their operations. Abbott Laboratories Limited recently announced an $18 million expansion of its Cootehill nutritional facility resulting in an additional 25 jobs.
IDA Ireland is also progressing developments from within its property budget and negotiations have recently concluded between Cavan County Council and IDA Ireland to acquire a site in Cavan town on which a privately financed advance factory will be constructed. A developer will be sought to provide an advance factory in Monaghan when a project has been secured for the factory in Cavan.
Finally, the IDA has recently upgraded its Knockaconny Industrial Park near Monaghan town, a site comprising approximately 15 acres which are fully serviced and immediately available for promotion to overseas investors.
