Vol. 543 No. 4
40 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the post of the area director of the IDA for the western region will be based in Athlone and not in Galway city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27267/01]
IDA Ireland's west and midlands region has two regional offices, one in Galway – western region, and the other in Athlone – midlands region, each of which is the direct responsibility of a regional manager. Since June 1999, the regional managers have reported to the regional director who has divided his time between Galway and Athlone.
A new regional director has recently been appointed. However, there is no change in role or responsibility and the new director will maintain an office in both regional offices, as heretofore.
IDA Ireland will shortly be appointing a second permanent regional manager to be based in Galway to work alongside the current regional manager. The regional director and two regional managers will continue to drive IDA's efforts in the west and midlands regions.
The success of Galway and the rest of the west region continues to be of critical importance to the Government. The Galway regional office has not been downgraded, nor has there been any change in the IDA's commitment to counties Galway and Mayo.
