Written Answers. - Job Losses.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:
49
Cecilia Keaveney
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
her views on whether the policy incorporated into the new targeted strategy by the IDA to help offset recent job losses in County Wexford mirrors the strategy that has been followed in the past couple of years in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the need for a review of her strategy, particularly for the Inishowen region.
[20649/01]
In the past 18 months IDA Ireland has radically changed its strategy with a view to achieving a better regional distribution of jobs. The agency's new strategy includes a focused sectoral and geographical approach for new inward investment projects, coupled with an added value focus for the existing base of overseas industry in each region. This new strategy also provides for an upgrading of IDA Ireland's land in regional locations and the provision of new modern facilities in appropriate locations to cater for the emerging sectors. In this context, the IDA's strategies for Wexford and Donegal have been formulated and tailored, following a wide consultative process, to meet the specific needs of each of these areas.
In the case of County Donegal, IDA's Donegal regional office was re-established in Letterkenny. In addition, IDA is in the process of relocating a number of key operating units into the north-west region. Engineering and consumer products, along with a section of international services, are relocating to Sligo. This move is designed to stimulate and support growth from within the region. IDA's strategy for the region is beginning to show positive results and the agency are confident that the recovery of jobs in the area will become more apparent as the new projects which have been approved make their impact in the years ahead. In this regard, significant developments in the Donegal area include the development of Letterkenny Business Park, which has been completed. PacifiCare, which currently employs 180 people, now occupies building one. The company recently announced an expansion project to create an additional 160 jobs at full development. Work is nearing completion on the provision of a second 25,000 square foot advance factory at the park and planning permission has been sought for a third advance factory.
Prudential Insurance Company of America has occupied a new office facility at Letterkenny Office Park and currently employs 150 persons. Also, Prumerica has announced an expansion of their operation, which will create an additional 450 jobs. The project will be located in a second office facility on this park. Other job expansions in the area include, Kirchhoff Ireland which recently announced an expansion of its automotive components operation in Letterkenny. The company currently employs 53 people and the expansion will employ an additional 50 people at full development. Interventional Technologies, IVT, which is now owned by Boston Scientific, has announced plans to create an additional 90 jobs through the expansion of their existing operation in Letterkenny. Abbott Laboratories in Donegal town, which employs 550 people, announced plans to invest £50 million, with the support of IDA Ireland, for the development of its operation, which will secure the future of the facility. In Ballyshannon work has commenced on the development of a business park and it is planned to provide a 20,000 square foot factory on this park.
Buncrana is the focus of IDA efforts on the Inishowen Peninsula. Additional land has been purchased in Buncrana and planning permission has been sought for a 20,000 square foot building. Work will commence shortly on the development of this land. Claddagh Resources, formerly Network Resources, research facility at Lisfannon, plans to create 35 new jobs, the majority for people with third level qualifications. Recruitment by the company is ongoing.
The previously vacant Fruit of the Loom facility at Malin has been sold to Donegal County Council to facilitate the development of an operation by Forward Emphasis which is due to be opened later this month. Lands surplus to the needs of IDA for inward investment purposes are in the process of being sold to Donegal County Council to assist in the development of local projects with job creating potential. IDA is also marketing vacant facilities previously occupied by Fruit of the Loom at Ballymacarry and Lisfannon Buncrana as well as Milford and Raphoe.
In addition to the above positive developments, the implementation of the Donegal employment initiative task force's recommendations has been allocated to the County Development Board and IDA is participating in the work of the board. Also, as part of IDA's regional agenda for the north-west region, the agency has put in place a programme to encourage the development of infrastructure, skills, and education in the region to enhance its attractiveness for new inward investment. Work is ongoing in the area of roads, telecommunications, electricity as there are particular issues to be addressed. I am confident that the strategy being pursued by IDA Ireland for County Donegal will result in the creation of good and enduring employment for the area.
