Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Ulick Burke

Question:

67 Mr. U. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA-supported jobs created in County Galway, excluding Galway city in each of the years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001; the location of these jobs; and the corresponding job losses in the county over the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30130/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Employment figures for 2001 are not yet available. The Forfás annual employment survey is carried out in November of each year. This survey will give details by region of all jobs created and lost in IDA Ireland assisted companies for the period 1 November 2000 to 31 October 2001. The preliminary figures of this survey will not be available until year-end.

The following table shows the jobs created and lost in IDA-supported companies in Galway in the years from 1997 to 2000 inclusive. IDA employment data are available only on a county basis.

County	Employment Data	1997	1998	1999	2000
Galway	Number of Companies	45	46	48	52
Galway	Permanent Employment	7,275	7,804	7,922	9,304
Galway	Gross Gains (New Jobs)	1,334	673	465	1,750
Galway	Job Losses	205	144	347	368

IDA Ireland fully recognises and is committed to ensuring the process of balanced regional dispersal is achieved in the west. Construction of a new 27,800 sq ft advance unit on a new 35-acre busi ness park in Ballinasloe is now completed and will be shortly occupied by Valois SA. The IDA is working with Gort Chamber of Commerce regarding the development of a 20,000 sq ft advance factory under the IDA BES scheme. The factory premises will be completed by end of December 2001. The IDA has acquired 27 acres of land in Tuam and planning permission for site development has been received. A contractor has been appointed to commence site development works in November 2001. Following on from this, IDA will seek developers to provide advance buildings on the site in the course of the 2002. A new 20 acre office park is under development at Parkmore East outside Galway city and construction is complete on a new 25,500 sq ft high quality office building on this park. TerraNua, Fidelity, currently based in the IFSC has committed to a full floor in this building with a plan to employ 100 people in a software development activity in Galway; this project has now commenced. A new 25,000 sq ft industrial unit is proposed for Parkmore West in Galway City.

Ulick Burke

Question:

68 Mr. U. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is seeking a tenant for the facility provided at the new industrial park at Ballinasloe, County Galway; if the IDA is involved in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30131/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Approximately a year ago Valois, a French company that makes dispensary systems for the perfumery and cosmetic industry, was due to set up in Galway with approximately 80 jobs to be created over five years. The company has been in temporary accommodation in the old AT Cross factory in Ballinasloe. Valois now has a reservation in the new 27,000 sq. ft. advance factory in the IDA industrial estate in the town. Valois is in negotiation with the developer in relation to carrying out some modifications of the building. I understand the company aims to be in the building at the end of the year and will start production as soon as it is settled. Valois employ 1,700 people worldwide. Early next year IDA Ireland will put in place plans for the next phase of the development of the Ballinasloe industrial estate.