Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

191 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the 1996 and 1997 IDA report in relation to the north-west of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2135/98]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

192 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to the IDA report for 1997 the co-operation, if any, which will take place between her Department and the IDA to ensure a spread of new jobs throughout County Donegal in 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2136/98]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

Despite the best efforts of IDA Ireland to attract overseas investment to the north-west/Donegal region, the results are disappointing. In 1996, 297 jobs were created by IDA Ireland assisted companies in the north-west region with the number for 1997 in the region being 279 jobs. However, after job losses of 290 in 1997, net employment in the region fell by 11 jobs.

I recognise the need for a better balance in the regional distribution of inward investment projects. IDA Ireland also recognises this and has put in place a number of measures to achieve a better regional spread. These include financial incentives which are biased in favour of locations such as the north-west region, including Donegal, and working in partnership with the local authorities in the region to provide high quality sites. An example of this is the Letterkenny Business Park where IDA Ireland is developing a 27 acre business park in conjunction with Donegal County Council. Serviced sites are also available in Donegal, Ballyshannon and Buncrana. The measures also include the building of a new 20,000 sq. ft. advance factory building to be constructed in Letterkenny, as soon as planning permission has been received. Letterkenny is being promoted for international service projects thanks to the availability of graduates with appropriate skills from Letterkenny RTC and two senior managers have been allocated to work with the north-west/Donegal regional office in attracting small German companies.

IDA Ireland is committed to securing new projects for the north-west region, particularly County Donegal, and every effort is being made to ensure that this result is achieved in the near future.