Enda Kenny
Question:64 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's policy regarding the provision of jobs in the west of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17633/97]
Written Answers. - Western Jobs Provision.
Enda Kenny
Question:65 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the instructions, if any, she has given to the IDA to use its flexibility under the relevant Act to discriminate positively in favour of western areas regarding the provision of jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17634/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
My policy, and that of the Government, is to encourage and facilitate the most equitable regional distribution of jobs throughout the country. Accordingly, I have asked IDA Ireland and Forbairt to ensure that this policy is actively pursued across all regions, including the west. I think that the result of this proactive approach is being reflected in several recent project announcements made by me, with the west faring particularly well.
During the last couple of months alone, I have been pleased to make several project announcements in the western region. These will bring a total of 303 new jobs to the west.
— The new Lionbridge Technologies project, which will create 100 jobs in a software and hardware testing facility in Ballina, is a significant development in the attraction of overseas investment to the western region.
— Transitions Optical Ltd. is creating 75 new jobs in Tuam with the expansion of its European photochromic plastic spectacle lenses manufacturing facility.
— Tente Limited, a subsidiary of one of Europe's leading manufacturers of castors and wheels, is adding 43 new jobs at its Ballymote facility.
— I was particularly pleased to be able to announce that Carrowkeel Seafoods Ltd. was expanding its operation at Killala and creating 85 new jobs in the process. In the light of the Asahi closedown, such new employment opportunities are welcome news for that area.
Both agencies are very conscious of their responsibility to promote new investment in regional locations and are devoting considerable resources and energy to this task. For its part IDA Ireland is encouraging visiting companies to look at many locations across the country before making decisions on location and is
— favouring locations outside the larger urban centres in every way possible, including with higher grant levels as appropriate
— with the involvement of private sector investors, stimulating and supporting a major programme of modern advance factory construction at key locations
— working closely with local authorities to have quality sites available at priority locations for new industrial investment.
At the end of the day, however, it must be recognised that, where overseas investment is concerned, the decision on where to locate rests solely with overseas investors, based primarily on the competitiveness and general level of attractiveness of individual locations.