I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 88 together.
The Government is committed to ensuring the most equitable regional distribution of job opportunities and I have impressed on the industrial development agencies – IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland – the crucial importance of making even greater efforts to provide employment throughout the country.
County Cavan and the Border region generally is a priority location for IDA Ireland and the agency has introduced a number of significant measures to encourage new investment to this area, including the following: making available, as appropriate, increased grant levels for potential investors in Border locations; stimulating and supporting a major programme of modern advance factory construction at key locations, with the involvement of the private sector; working closely with local authorities to have quality sites available at priority locations for new industrial investment; and working closely with FÁS and local institutes of technology to identify specific skills which are available in the region.
Specifically, a 23,000 sq. ft advance factory was constructed in Cavan town by private developers. This facility is being actively marketed by IDA Ireland to potential overseas investors. Eight site visits by potential investors took place in 1998 as well as three visits by IDA Ireland overseas and head office staff to the area; three site visits by potential clients have already taken place this year.
IDA Ireland is encouraged by the positive responses it has received from the companies who have visited the area and IDA Ireland will continue to vigorously promote the area until an overseas investor is secured for the advance factory.
